Combination of polyion complex particle and non-polymeric acid having two or more acid dissociation constants

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition according to the present invention comprises: (a) at least one particle comprising at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof; and (b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatile medium. The composition according to the present invention is stable, and can have a variety of cosmetic functions. For example, the composition according to the present invention can prepare a film which can have cosmetic effects such as absorbing or adsorbing malodor, changing the appearance of a keratin substrate such as skin, changing the feel to the touch of the keratin substrate, and/or protecting the keratin substrate from, for example, dirt or pollutants.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a composition including polyion complexparticles and a film of polyion complex particles, as well as a processfor preparing a film by using polyion complex particles and a use ofpolyion complex particles for preparing a film.

BACKGROUND ART

A polyion complex which is formed with an anionic polymer and a cationicpolymer has already been known.

The use of a film made from a polyion complex for cosmetic purposes isalso proposed by, for example, WO 2013/153678 and JP-A-2014-227389. Thefilm disclosed in WO 2013/153678 and JP-A-2014-227389 can providecertain cosmetic effects.

However, the preparation of the film disclosed in WO 2013/153678 andJP-A-2014-227389 requires a spin coating process which needs a highspeed rotation of a substrate, and therefore, it may be difficult toprepare the film in-situ on a keratin substrate such as skin.

JP-A-2015-107939 discloses the preparation of a film made from a polyioncomplex for cosmetic purposes by spraying a first solution of either ofan anionic polymer and a cationic polymer, and spraying a secondsolution of the other of the anionic polymer and the cationic polymer,on a keratin substance, to mix the anionic and cationic polymers to forma film including the polyion complex. This preparation can prepare thefilm in-situ on a keratin substance such as skin.

However, it may be difficult to prepare the above film by the sprayingprocess disclosed in JP-A-2015-107939 without careful control, becauseit may not be easy to control the amounts of the first and secondsolutions to be sprayed. In particular, the preparation of a relativelythick film by using the spraying process disclosed in JP-A-2015-107939may be difficult.

One option to easily make a film made from a polyion complex may be touse a polyion complex in the form of particles. For example,JP-A-2005-36190 discloses a dispersion including polyion complexparticles which has been formed by an anionic polymer and a cationicpolymer.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

However, it has been discovered that a dispersion including polyioncomplex particles is not always stable. If the dispersion is unstable,the polyion complex particles tend to precipitate.

Thus, a first objective of the present invention is to provide a stablecomposition such as a stable dispersion, which includes polyion complexparticles.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by acomposition comprising:

(a) at least one particle comprising

-   -   at least one cationic polymer,    -   at least one anionic polymer, and    -   at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or        salt(s) thereof; and

(b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatile medium.

The charge density of the cationic polymer may be from 0.1 meq/g to 20meq/g, preferably from 1 to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 4 to 10meq/g.

The cationic polymer may have at least one positively chargeable and/orpositively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of asecondary or tertiary amino group, a quaternary ammonium group, aguanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group,a pyridyl group, and an amino group.

The cationic polymer may be selected from the group consisting ofcyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymers ofdialkyldiallylammonium such as (co)polydiallyldialkyl ammonium chloride,(co)polyamines such as (co)polylysines, cationic (co)polyaminoacids suchas collagen, and salts thereof.

The charge density of the anionic polymer may be from 0.1 meq/g to 20meq/g, preferably from 1 to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 4 to 10meq/g if the anionic polymer is a synthetic anionic polymer, and theaverage substitution degree of the anionic polymer may be from 0.1 to3.0, preferably from 0.2 to 2.7, and more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 ifthe anionic polymer is a natural anionic polymer.

The anionic polymer may have at least one negatively chargeable and/ornegatively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of asulfuric group, a sulfate group, a sulfonic group, a sulfonate group, aphosphoric group, a phosphate group, a phosphonic group, a phosphonategroup, a carboxylic group, and a carboxylate group.

The anionic polymer may be selected from the group consisting ofpolysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, and cellulosepolymers (e.g., hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,methylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, andcarboxymethylcellulose), anionic (co)polyaminoacids such as(co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids, (co)polyamic acids,(co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfates), dextran sulfate,chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, (co)polyfumaric acids, maleicanhydride (co)polymers, and salts thereof.

The ratio of the amount of the cationic polymer(s)/the anionicpolymer(s) may be 0.05-18, preferably 0.1-10, and more preferably0.5-5.0.

The amount of either the cationic polymer or the anionic polymer, orboth the cationic and anionic polymers, in the composition according tothe present invention may be from 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably from0.1 to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.3 to 12% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereofmay be an organic acid or salt(s) thereof, and preferably a hydrophilicor water-soluble organic acid or salt(s) thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be anon-polymeric polyvalent acid.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may have at leasttwo acid groups selected from the group consisting of a carboxylicgroup, a sulfuric group, a sulfonic group, a phosphonic group, aphenolic hydroxyl group, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereofmay be selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphorsulfonic acid and salts thereof (Mexoryl SX), Yellow 6 (Sunset YellowFCF) ascorbic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof.

The amount of the non-polymeric acid(s) having two or more pKa values orsalt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present inventionmay be from 0.001 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 20% byweight, and more preferably from 0.1 to 15% by weight, relative to thetotal weight of the composition

The size of the (a) particle may be from 50 nm to 100 μm, preferablyfrom 200 nm to 50 μm, and more preferably from 300 nm to 30 μm.

The amount of the (a) particle in the composition according to thepresent invention may be from 0.01 to 60% by weight, preferably from 0.1to 50% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 40% by weight, relativeto the total weight of the composition.

The amount of the (b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatilemedium, preferably water, in the composition according to the presentinvention may be from 50 to 99% by weight, preferably from 60 to 97% byweight, and more preferably from 70 to 95% by weight, relative to thetotal weight of the composition

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be from3 to 9, preferably from 3.5 to 8.5, and more preferably from 4 to 8.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise(c) at least one oil and is in the form of an emulsion.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise(d) at least one emulsifier, preferably a polymeric emulsifier.

The composition according to the present invention may be a cosmeticcomposition, preferably a skin cosmetic composition.

A second objective of the present invention is to provide a processwhich can easily prepare a relatively thick film made from polyioncomplex particles.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by aprocess for preparing a film, preferably a cosmetic film, with athickness of more than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and morepreferably 2 μm or more, comprising: applying onto a substrate,preferably a keratin substrate, the composition according to the presentinvention; and drying the composition.

A third objective of the present invention is to provide a relativelythick film made from polyion complex particles.

The above objective of the present invention can be achieved by:

-   -   (1) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, prepared by a process comprising:        -   applying onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate,            the composition according to the present invention; and        -   drying the composition,

or

-   -   (2) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, comprising:        -   at least one cationic polymer,        -   at least one anionic polymer, and        -   at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa            values or salt(s) thereof.

The present invention also relates to a cosmetic process for a keratinsubstrate such as skin, comprising applying to the keratin substrate thecomposition according to the present invention; and drying thecomposition to form a cosmetic film on the keratin substrate.

The cosmetic film thus obtained can be resistant to water with a pH of 7or less, and can be removable with water with a pH of more than 7,preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 9 or more.

The present invention also relates to a use of the composition accordingto the present invention for the preparation of a cosmetic film on akeratin substrate such as skin, wherein the cosmetic film is resistantto water with a pH of 7 or less, and is removable with water with a pHof more than 7, preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 9 or more.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

After diligent research, the inventors have discovered that it ispossible to provide a stable composition such as a stable dispersion,which includes polyion complex particles, by combining the polyioncomplex particles with non-polymeric acid(s) having two or more pKavalues or salt(s) thereof. Thus, the composition according to thepresent invention comprises:

(a) at least one particle comprising

-   -   at least one cationic polymer,    -   at least one anionic polymer, and    -   at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or        salt(s) thereof; and

(b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatile medium.

Further, the inventors have discovered that it is possible to provide aprocess which can easily prepare a relatively thick film made frompolyion complex particles. Thus, the process according to the presentinvention is a process for preparing a film, preferably a cosmetic film,with a thickness of more than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and morepreferably 2 μm or more, the process comprising

applying onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate, thecomposition according to the present invention; and

drying the composition.

Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that it is possible toprovide a relatively thick film made from polyion complex particles.Thus, the film according to the present invention is

-   -   (1) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, prepared by a process comprising:        -   applying onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate,            the composition according to the present invention; and        -   drying the composition,

or

-   -   (2) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, comprising:        -   at least one cationic polymer,        -   at least one anionic polymer, and        -   at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa            values or salt(s) thereof.

The composition according to the present invention is stable for a longperiod of time, and can be used to easily prepare a film of polyioncomplex by applying the composition onto a substrate, preferably akeratin substrate such as skin and a hair, and more preferably skin, anddrying the composition.

The polyion complex film according to the present invention can have avariety of cosmetic functions.

For example, the film according to the present invention itself may havecosmetic effects such as absorbing or adsorbing malodor, changing theappearance of a keratin substrate such as skin, changing the feel to thetouch of the keratin substrate, and/or protecting the keratin substratefrom, for example, dirt or pollutants.

If the polyion complex film includes at least one cosmetic activeingredient, the film can have cosmetic effects provided by the cosmeticactive ingredient(s). For example, if the polyion complex film includesat least one cosmetic active ingredient selected from anti-aging agents,anti-sebum agents, deodorant agents, anti-perspirant agents, whiteningagents and a mixture thereof, the film can treat the aging of the skin,absorbing sebum on the skin, controlling odors on the skin, controllingthe perspiration on the skin, and/or whitening of the skin.

The film according to the present invention may be transparent, andtherefore, may not be easy to perceive, although the film is relativelythick.

Further, the film according to the present invention is water-resistant,and therefore, it can remain on a keratin substrate such as skin even ifthe surface of the keratin substrate is wet due to, for example sweatand rain.

Furthermore, the film according to the present invention can be easilyremoved from a keratin substrate such as skin under alkaline conditions.Therefore, the film according to the present invention is difficult toremove with water, while it can be easily removed with a soap which canprovide alkaline conditions.

Thus, if the film according to the present invention includes a UVfilter, the film according to the present invention can show UVshielding effects which are resistant to water (water-proof) and can belong-lasting, but can be easily removed with a soap which can providealkaline conditions.

Hereinafter, the composition, process, film and the like according tothe present invention will be explained in a more detailed manner

[Polyion Complex Particle]

The composition according to the present invention includes (a) at leastone particle which is a polyion complex particle. There is no limit tothe type of the (a) particle. Two or more different types of (a)particles may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of (a)particle or a combination of different types of (a) particles may beused.

The (a) particle includes at least one cationic polymer and at least oneanionic polymer. There is no limit to the type of the cationic andanionic polymers. Two or more different types of cationic polymers maybe used in combination. Thus, a single type of cationic polymer or acombination of different types of cationic polymers may be used. Two ormore different types of anionic polymers may be used in combination.Thus, a single type of anionic polymer or a combination of differenttypes of anionic polymers may be used.

The ratio of the amount, for example the chemical equivalent, of thecationic polymer(s)/the anionic polymer(s) may be 0.05-18, preferably0.1-10, and more preferably 0.5-5.0. In particular, it may be preferablethat the number of the cationic groups of the cationic polymer(s)/thenumber of anionic groups of the anionic polymer(s) be 0.05-18, morepreferably 0.1-10, and even more preferably 0.5-5.0.

The size of the polyion complex particle may be from 50 nm to 100 μm,preferably from 200 nm to 50 μm, more preferably from 300 nm to 30 μm,and even more preferably from 1 to 20 μm. The particle size less than 1μm can be measured by a dynamic light scattering method, and theparticle size more than 1 μm can be measured by an optical microscope.This particle size is based on volume diameter.

The amount of the polyion complex particle in the composition accordingto the present invention may be from 0.01 to 60% by weight, preferablyfrom 0.1 to 50% by weight, and more preferably from 1 to 40% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Cationic Polymer)

A cationic polymer has a positive charge density. The charge density ofthe cationic polymer may be from 0.1 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from1 to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 4 to 10 meq/g.

It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the cationic polymerbe 1,000 or more, preferably 10,000 or more, more preferably 100,000 ormore, and even more preferably 1,000,000 or more.

The cationic polymer may have at least one positively chargeable and/orpositively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of asecondary or tertiary amino group, a quaternary ammonium group, aguanidine group, a biguanide group, an imidazole group, an imino group,a pyridyl group, and an amino group. The term (primary) “amino group”here means a group of —NH₂.

The cationic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term“copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from twokinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds ofmonomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three kinds of monomers.

The cationic polymer may be selected from natural and synthetic cationicpolymers. Non-limiting examples of the cationic polymers are as follows.

(1) homopolymers and copolymers derived from acrylic or methacrylicesters and amides and comprising at least one unit chosen from units ofthe following formulas:

wherein:

R₁ and R₂, which may be identical or different, are chosen from hydrogenand alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, for instance,methyl and ethyl groups;

R₃, which may be identical or different, is chosen from hydrogen andCH₃;

the symbols A, which may be identical or different, are chosen fromlinear or branched alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, forexample, from 2 to 3 carbon atoms and hydroxyalkyl groups comprisingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

R₄, R₅, and R₆, which may be identical or different, are chosen fromalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms and benzyl groups, andin at least one embodiment, alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 6 carbonatoms; and

X is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid, such asmethosulphate anions and halides, for instance chloride and bromide.

The copolymers of family (1) may also comprise at least one unit derivedfrom comonomers which may be chosen from acrylamides, methacrylamides,diacetone acrylamides, acrylamides and methacrylamides substituted onthe nitrogen atom with (C₁-C₄) lower alkyl groups, groups derived fromacrylic or methacrylic acids and esters thereof, vinyllactams such asvinylpyrrolidone and vinylcaprolactam, and vinyl esters.

Examples of copolymers of family (1) include, but are not limited to:

copolymers of acrylamide and of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatequaternized with dimethyl sulphate or with a dimethyl halide,

copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammoniumchloride described, for example, in European Patent Application No. 0080 976,

copolymers of acrylamide and of methacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammoniummethosulphate, quaternized or nonquaternizedvinylpyrrolidone/dialkylaminoalkyl acrylate or methacrylate

copolymers, described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 077 143 and2 393 573, dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate/vinylcaprolactam/vinylpyrrolidone terpolymers,vinylpyrrolidone/methacrylamidopropyldimethylamine copolymers,quaternized vinylpyrrolidone/dimethylaminopropylmethacrylamidecopolymers, and

crosslinked methacryloyloxy(C₁-C₄)alkyltri(C₁-C₄)alkylammonium saltpolymers such as the polymers obtained by homopolymerization ofdimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with methyl chloride, or bycopolymerization of acrylamide with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylatequaternized with methyl chloride, the homopolymerization orcopolymerization being followed by crosslinking with a compoundcontaining olefinic unsaturation, for example, methylenebisacrylamide.

(2) Cationic cellulose derivatives such as cellulose ether derivativescomprising quaternary ammonium groups described, for example, in FrenchPatent No. 1 492 597, such as the polymers sold under the names “JR” (JR400, JR 125, JR 30M) or “LR” (LR 400, LR 30M) by the company UnionCarbide Corporation. These polymers are also defined in the CTFAdictionary as quaternary ammoniums of hydroxyethylcellulose that havereacted with an epoxide substituted with a trimethylammonium group.

(3) Cationic cellulose derivatives such as cellulose copolymers andcellulose derivatives grafted with a water-soluble monomer of quaternaryammonium, and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,576, suchas hydroxyalkylcelluloses, for instance, hydroxymethyl-, hydroxyethyl-,and hydroxypropylcelluloses grafted, for example, with a salt chosenfrom methacryloylethyltrimethylammonium,methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium, and dimethyldiallylammoniumsalts.

Commercial products corresponding to these polymers include, forexample, the products sold under the name “Celquat® L 200” and “Celquat®H 100” by the company National Starch.

(4) Non-cellulose-based cationic polysaccharides described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,589,578 and 4,031,307, such as guar gums comprising cationictrialkylammonium groups, cationic hyaluronic acid, and dextranhydroxypropyl trimonium chloride. Guar gums modified with a salt, forexample the chloride, of 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium (guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride) may also be used.

Such products are sold, for instance, under the trade names JAGUAR® C13S, JAGUAR® C15, JAGUAR® C17, and JAGUAR® C162 by the company MEYHALL.

(5) Polymers comprising piperazinyl units and divalent alkylene orhydroxyalkylene groups comprising straight or branched chains,optionally interrupted with at least one entity chosen from oxygen,sulphur, nitrogen, aromatic rings, and heterocyclic rings, and also theoxidation and/or quaternization products of these polymers. Suchpolymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 162 025 and2 280 361.

(6) Water-soluble polyamino amides prepared, for example, bypolycondensation of an acidic compound with a polyamine; these polyaminoamides possibly being crosslinked with an entity chosen fromepihalohydrins; diepoxides; dianhydrides; unsaturated dianhydrides;bisunsaturated derivatives; bishalohydrins; bisazetidiniums;bishaloacyidiamines; bisalkyl halides; oligomers resulting from thereaction of a difunctional compound which is reactive with an entitychosen from bishalohydrins, bisazetidiniums, bishaloacyldiamines,bisalkyl halides, epihalohydrins, diepoxides, and bisunsaturatedderivatives; the crosslinking agent being used in an amount ranging from0.025 to 0.35 mol per amine group of the polyamino amide; thesepolyamino amides optionally being alkylated or, if they comprise atleast one tertiary amine function, they may be quaternized. Suchpolymers are described, for example, in French Patent Nos. 2 252 840 and2 368 508.

(7) Polyamino amide derivatives resulting from the condensation ofpolyalkylene polyamines with polycarboxylic acids, followed byalkylation with difunctional agents, for example, adipicacid/dialkylaminohydroxyalkyldialkylenetriamine polymers in which thealkyl group comprises from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl,and propyl groups, and the alkylene group comprises from 1 to 4 carbonatoms, such as an ethylene group. Such polymers are described, forinstance, in French Patent No. 1 583 363. In at least one embodiment,these derivatives may be chosen from adipicacid/dimethylaminohydroxypropyldiethylenetriamine polymers.

(8) Polymers obtained by reaction of a polyalkylene polyamine comprisingtwo primary amine groups and at least one secondary amine group, with adicarboxylic acid chosen from diglycolic acid and saturated aliphaticdicarboxylic acids comprising from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The molar ratioof the polyalkylene polyamine to the dicarboxylic acid may range from0.8:1 to 1.4:1; the polyamino amide resulting therefrom being reactedwith epichlorohydrin in a molar ratio of epichlorohydrin relative to thesecondary amine group of the polyamino amide ranging from 0.5:1 to1.8:1. Such polymers are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,227,615 and 2,961,347.

(9) Cyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymers ofdialkyldiallyl-ammonium, such as homopolymers and copolymers comprising,as the main constituent of the chain, at least one unit chosen fromunits of formulas (Ia) and (Ib):

wherein:

k and t, which may be identical or different, are equal to 0 or 1, thesum k+t being equal to 1;

R₁₂ is chosen from hydrogen and methyl groups;

R₁₀ and R₁₁, which may be identical or different, are chosen from alkylgroups comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl groups in whichthe alkyl group comprises, for example, from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, andlower (C₁-C₄)amidoalkyl groups, or R₁₀ and R₁₁ may form, together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are attached, heterocyclic groups suchas piperidinyl and morpholinyl; and

Y′ is an anion such as bromide, chloride, acetate, borate, citrate,tartrate, bisulphate, bisulphite, sulphate, and phosphate. Thesepolymers are described, for example, in French Patent No. 2 080 759 andin its Certificate of Addition 2 190 406.

In one embodiment, R₁₀ and R₁₁, which may be identical or different, arechosen from alkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Examples of such polymers include, but are not limited to,(co)polydiallyldialkyl ammonium chloride such as thedimethyidiallylammonium chloride homopolymer sold under the name“MERQUAT® 100” by the company CALGON (and its homologues of lowweight-average molecular mass) and the copolymers ofdiallyldimethylammonium chloride and of acrylamide sold under the name“MERQUAT® 550”.

Quaternary diammonium polymers comprising at least one repeating unit offormula (II):

wherein:

R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₁₆, which may be identical or different, are chosenfrom aliphatic, alicyclic, and arylaliphatic groups comprising from 1 to20 carbon atoms and lower hydroxyalkyl aliphatic groups, oralternatively R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₁₆ may form, together or separately,with the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached, heterocyclesoptionally comprising a second heteroatom other than nitrogen, oralternatively R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₁₆, which may be identical ordifferent, are chosen from linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl groupssubstituted with at least one group chosen from nitrile groups, estergroups, acyl groups, amide groups, —CO—O—R₁₇-E groups, and —CO—NH—R₁₇-Egroups, wherein R₁₇ is an alkylene group and E is a quaternary ammoniumgroup;

A₁ and B₁, which may be identical or different, are chosen frompolymethylene groups comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, which may belinear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, and which may comprise,linked or intercalated in the main chain, at least one entity chosenfrom aromatic rings, oxygen, sulphur, sulphoxide groups, sulphonegroups, disulphide groups, amino groups, alkylamino groups, hydroxylgroups, quaternary ammonium groups, ureido groups, amide groups, andester groups, and

X⁻ is an anion derived from an inorganic or organic acid;

A₁, R₁₃, and R₁₅ may form, together with the two nitrogen atoms to whichthey are attached, a piperazine ring;

if A₁ is chosen from linear or branched, saturated or unsaturatedalkylene or hydroxyalkylene groups, B₁ may be chosen from:—(CH₂)_(n)—CO-E′-OC—(CH₂)_(n)—wherein E′ is chosen from:

a) glycol residues of formula —O—Z—O—, wherein Z is chosen from linearor branched hydrocarbon-based groups and groups of the followingformulas:—(CH₂—CH₂—O)_(x)CH₂—CH₂——[CH₂—CH(CH₃)—O]_(y)CH₂—CH(CH₃)—

wherein x and y, which may be identical or different, are chosen fromintegers ranging from 1 to 4, which represent a defined and uniquedegree of polymerization, and numbers ranging from 1 to 4, whichrepresent an average degree of polymerization;

b) bis-secondary diamine residue such as piperazine derivatives;

c) bis-primary diamine residues of formula —NH—Y—NH—, wherein Y ischosen from linear or branched hydrocarbon-based groups and the divalentgroup —CH₂—CH₂—S—S—CH₂—CH₂—; and

d) ureylene groups of formula —NH—CO—NH—.

In at least one embodiment, X⁻ is an anion such as chloride or bromide.

Polymers of this type are described, for example, in French Patent Nos.2 320 330; 2 270 846; 2 316 271; 2 336 434; and 2 413 907 and U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,273,780; 2,375,853; 2,388,614; 2,454,547; 3,206,462; 2,261,002;2,271,378; 3,874,870; 4,001,432; 3,929,990; 3,966,904; 4,005,193;4,025,617; 4,025,627; 4,025,653; 4,026,945; and 4,027,020.

Non-limiting examples of such polymers include those comprising at leastone repeating unit of formula (III):

wherein R₁₃, R₁₄, R₁₅, and R₁₆, which may be identical or different, arechosen from alkyl and hydroxyalkyl groups comprising from 1 to 4 carbonatoms, n and p, which may be identical or different, are integersranging from 2 to 20, and X⁻ is an anion derived from an inorganic ororganic acid.

(11) Polyquaternary ammonium polymers comprising units of formula (IV):

wherein:

R₁₈, R₁₉, R₂₀, and R₂₁, which may be identical or different, are chosenfrom hydrogen, methyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups,β-hydroxyethyl groups, β-hydroxypropyl groups, —CH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_(p)OHgroups, wherein p is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 6, with theproviso that R₁₈, R₁₉, R₂₀, and R₂₁ are not simultaneously hydrogen, rand s, which may be identical or different, are chosen from integersranging from 1 to 6, q is chosen from integers ranging from 0 to 34,

X⁻ is an anion such as a halide, and

A is chosen from radicals of dihalides and —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₂—CH₂—.

Such compounds are described, for instance, in European PatentApplication No. 0 122 324.

(12) Quaternary polymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

Other examples of suitable cationic polymers include, but are notlimited to, cationic proteins and cationic protein hydrolysates,polyalkyleneimines, such as polyethyleneimines, polymers comprisingunits chosen from vinylpyridine and vinylpyridinium units, condensatesof polyamines and of epichlorohydrin, quaternary polyureylenes, andchitin derivatives.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least onecationic polymer is chosen from cellulose ether derivatives comprisingquaternary ammonium groups, such as the products sold under the name “JR400” by the company UNION CARBIDE CORPORATION, cationic cyclopolymers,for instance, the homo-polymers and copolymers ofdimethyldiallylammonium chloride sold under the names MERQUAT® 100,MERQUAT® 550, and MERQUAT® S by the company CALGON, guar gums modifiedwith a 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium salt, and quaternary polymers ofvinylpyrrolidone and of vinylimidazole.

(13) Polyamines

As the cationic polymer, it is also possible to use (co)polyamines,which may be homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality of aminogroups. The amino group may be a primary, secondary, tertiary orquaternary amino group. The amino group may be present in a polymerbackbone or a pendent group, if present, of the (co)polyamines.

As example of the (co)polyamines, mention may be made of chitosan,(co)polyallylamines, (co)polyvinylamines, (co)polyanilines,(co)polyvinylimidazoles, (co)polydimethylaminoethylenemethacrylates,(co)polyvinylpyridines such as (co)poly-1-methyl-2-vinylpyridines,(co)polyimines such as (co) polyethyleneimines, (co)polypyridines suchas (co)poly(quaternary pyridines), (co)polybiguanides such as(co)polyaminopropyl biguanides, (co)polylysines, (co)polyornithines,(co)polyarginines, (co)polyhistidines, aminodextrans, aminocelluloses,amino(co)polyvinylacetals, and salts thereof.

As the (co)polyamines, it is preferable to use (co)polylysines.Polylysine is well known. Polylysine can be a natural homopolymer ofL-lysine that can be produced by bacterial fermentation. For example,polylysine can be ε-Poly-L-lysine, typically used as a naturalpreservative in food products. Polylysine is a polyelectrolyte which issoluble in polar solvents such as water, propylene glycol and glycerol.Polylysine is commercially available in various forms, such as polyD-lysine and poly L-lysine. Polylysine can be in salt and/or solutionform.

(14) Cationic Polyaminoacids

As the cationic polymer, it may be possible use cationic polyaminoacids,which may be cationic homopolymers or copolymers, with a plurality ofamino groups and carboxyl groups. The amino group may be a primary,secondary, tertiary or quaternary amino group. The amino group may bepresent in a polymer backbone or a pendent group, if present, of thecationic polyaminoacids. The carboxyl group may be present in a pendentgroup, if present, of the cationic polyaminoacids.

As examples of the cationic polyaminoacids, mention may be made ofcationized collagen, cationized gelatin, steardimoium hydroxyprolylhydrolyzed wheat protein, cocodimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed wheatprotein, hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed conchiolin protein,steardimonium hydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein,hydroxypropyltrimonium hydrolyzed soy protein, cocodimoniumhydroxypropyl hydrolyzed soy protein, and the like.

It may be preferable that the cationic polymer be selected from thegroup consisting of cyclopolymers of alkyldiallylamine and cyclopolymersof dialkyldiallylammonium such as (co)polydiallyldialkyl ammoniumchloride, (co)polyamines such as (co)polylysines, cationic(co)polyaminoacids such as cationized collagen, and salts thereof.

The amount of the cationic polymer(s) in the composition according tothe present invention may be from 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably from0.1 to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.3 to 12% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Anionic Polymer)

An anionic polymer has a positive charge density. The charge density ofthe anionic polymer may be from 0.1 meq/g to 20 meq/g, preferably from 1to 15 meq/g, and more preferably from 4 to 10 meq/g if the anionicpolymer is a synthetic anionic polymer, and the average substitutiondegree of the anionic polymer may be from 0.1 to 3.0, preferably from0.2 to 2.7, and more preferably from 0.3 to 2.5 if the anionic polymeris a natural anionic polymer.

It may be preferable that the molecular weight of the anionic polymer be1,000 or more, preferably 10,000 or more, more preferably 100,000 ormore, and even more preferably 1,000,000 or more.

The anionic polymer may have at least one negatively chargeable and/ornegatively charged moiety selected from the group consisting of asulfuric group, a sulfate group, a sulfonic group, a sulfonate group, aphosphoric group, a phosphate group, a phosphonic group, a phosphonategroup, a carboxylic group, and a carboxylate group.

The anionic polymer may be a homopolymer or a copolymer. The term“copolymer” is understood to mean both copolymers obtained from twokinds of monomers and those obtained from more than two kinds ofmonomers, such as terpolymers obtained from three kinds of monomers.

The anionic polymer may be selected from natural and synthetic anionicpolymers.

The anionic polymer may comprise at least one hydrophobic chain.

The anionic polymer which may comprise at least one hydrophobic chainmay be obtained by copolymerization of a monomer (a) chosen fromcarboxylic acids comprising α,β-ethylenic unsaturation (monomer a′) and2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid (monomer a″) with anon-surface-active monomer (b) comprising ethylenic unsaturation otherthan (a) and/or a monomer (c) comprising ethylenic unsaturationresulting from the reaction of an acrylic monomer comprisingα,β-monoethylenic unsaturation or of an isocyanate monomer comprisingmonoethylenic unsaturation with a monohydric nonionic amphiphiliccomponent or with a primary or secondary fatty amine.

Thus, the anionic polymer with at least one hydrophobic chain may beobtained by two synthetic routes:

either by copolymerization of the monomers (a′) and (c), or (a′), (b)and (c), or (a″) and (c), or (a″), (b) and (c),

or by modification (and in particular esterification or amidation) of acopolymer formed from the monomers (a′) or from the monomers (a′) and(b), or (a″) and (b), by a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compound or aprimary or secondary fatty amine.

Mention may in particular be made, as2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulphonic acid copolymers, of thosedisclosed in the article “Micelle formation of random copolymers ofsodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate and nonionic surfactantmacromonomer in water as studied by fluorescence and dynamic lightscattering—Macromolecules, 2000, Vol. 33, No. 10-3694-3704” and inapplications EP-A-0 750 899 and EP-A-1 069 172.

The carboxylic acid comprising α,β-monoethylenic unsaturationconstituting the monomer (a′) can be chosen from numerous acids and inparticular from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, itaconicacid and maleic acid. It is preferably acrylic or methacrylic acid.

The copolymer can comprise a monomer (b) comprising monoethylenicunsaturation which does not have surfactant property. The preferredmonomers are those which give water-insoluble polymers when they arehomopolymerized. They can be chosen, for example, from C₁-C₄ alkylacrylates and methacrylates, such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate,butyl acrylate or the corresponding methacrylates. The more particularlypreferred monomers are methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate. The othermonomers which can be used are, for example, styrene, vinyltoluene,vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile and vinylidene chloride. Unreactivemonomers are preferred, these monomers being those in which the singleethylenic group is the only group which is reactive under thepolymerization conditions. However, monomers which comprise groups whichreact under the effect of heat, such as hydroxyethyl acrylate, canoptionally be used.

The monomer (c) is obtained by reaction of an acrylic monomer comprisingα,β-monoethylenic unsaturation, such as (a), or of an isocyanate monomercomprising monoethylenic unsaturation with a monohydric nonionicamphiphilic compound or a primary or secondary fatty amine.

The monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds or the primary orsecondary fatty amines used to produce the nonionic monomer (c) are wellknown. The monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds are generallyalkoxylated hydrophobic compounds comprising an alkylene oxide formingthe hydrophilic part of the molecule. The hydrophobic compounds aregenerally composed of an aliphatic alcohol or an alkylphenol, in whichcompounds a carbonaceous chain comprising at least six carbon atomsconstitutes the hydrophobic part of the amphiphilic compound.

The preferred monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compounds are compoundshaving the following formula (V):R—(OCH₂CHR′)_(m)—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)—OH  (V)

in which R is chosen from alkyl or alkylene groups comprising from 6 to30 carbon atoms and alkylaryl groups having alkyl radicals comprisingfrom 8 to 30 carbon atoms, R′ is chosen from alkyl groups comprisingfrom 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is a mean number ranging from approximately1 to 150 and m is a mean number ranging from approximately 0 to 50,provided that n is at least as great as m.

Preferably, in the compounds of formula (V), the R group is chosen fromalkyl groups comprising from 12 to 26 carbon atoms and alkylphenylgroups in which the alkyl group is C₈-C₁₃; the R′ group is the methylgroup; m=0 and n=1 to 25.

The preferred primary and secondary fatty amines are composed of one ortwo alkyl chains comprising from 6 to 30 carbon atoms.

The monomer used to form the nonionic urethane monomer (c) can be chosenfrom highly varied compounds. Use may be made of any compound comprisinga copolymerizable unsaturation, such as an acrylic, methacrylic orallylic unsaturation. The monomer (c) can be obtained in particular froman isocyanate comprising monoethylenic unsaturation, such as, inparticular, α,α-dimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate.

The monomer (c) can be chosen in particular from acrylates,methacrylates or itaconates of oxyethylenated (1 to 50 EO) C₆-C₃₀ fattyalcohol, such as steareth-20 methacrylate, oxyethylenated (25 EO)behenyl methacrylate, oxyethylenated (20 EU) monocetyl itaconate,oxyethylenated (20 EO) monostearyl itaconate or the acrylate modified bypolyoxyethylenated (25 EO) C₁₂-C₂₄ alcohols and fromdimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanates of oxyethylenated (1 to 50 EO)C₆-C₃₀ fatty alcohol, such as, in particular, thedimethyl-m-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate of oxyethylenated behenylalcohol.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the anionicpolymer is chosen from acrylic terpolymers obtained from (a) acarboxylic acid comprising α,β-ethylenic unsaturation, (b) anon-surface-active monomer comprising ethylenic unsaturation other than(a), and (c) a nonionic urethane monomer which is the reaction productof a monohydric nonionic amphiphilic compound with an isocyanatecomprising monoethylenic unsaturation.

Mention may in particular be made, as anionic polymers comprising atleast one hydrophobic chain, of the acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/alkylacrylate terpolymer, such as the product as a 30% aqueous dispersionsold under the name Acusol 823 by Rohm & Haas; the acrylates/steareth-20methacrylate copolymer, such as the product sold under the name Aculyn22 by Rohm & Haas; the (meth)acrylic acid/ethyl acrylate/oxyethylenated(25 EO) behenyl methacrylate terpolymer, such as the product as anaqueous emulsion sold under the name Aculyn 28 by Rohm & Haas; theacrylic acid/oxyethylenated (20 EU) monocetyl itaconate copolymer, suchas the product as a 30% aqueous dispersion sold under the name Structure3001 by National Starch; the acrylic acid/oxyethylenated (20 EO)monostearyl itaconate copolymer, such as the product as a 30% aqueousdispersion sold under the name Structure 2001 by National Starch; theacrylates/acrylate modified by polyoxyethylenated (25 EO) C₁₂-C₂₄alcohols copolymer, such as the 30-32% copolymer latex sold under thename Synthalen W2000 by 3V SA; or the methacrylic acid/methylacrylate/dimethyl-meta-isopropenylbenzyl isocyanate of ethoxylatedbehenyl alcohol terpolymer, such as the product as a 24% aqueousdispersion and comprising 40 ethylene oxide groups disclosed in thedocument EP-A-0 173 109.

It may be preferable that the anionic polymer be selected from the groupconsisting of polysaccharides such as alginic acid, hyaluronic acid, andcellulose polymers (e.g., hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,methylcellulose, ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, andcarboxymethylcellulose), anionic (co)polyamino acids such as(co)polyglutamic acids, (co)poly(meth)acrylic acids, (co)polyamic acids,(co)polystyrene sulfonate, (co)poly(vinyl sulfates), dextran sulfate,chondroitin sulfate, (co)polymaleic acids, (co)polyfumaric acids, maleicanhydride (co)polymers, and salts thereof.

The maleic anhydride copolymer may comprise one or more maleic anhydridecomonomers, and one or more comonomers chosen from vinyl acetate, vinylalcohol, vinylpyrrolidone, olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms,and styrene.

Thus, the “maleic anhydride copolymer” is understood to mean any polymerobtained by copolymerization of one or more maleic anhydride comonomersand of one or more comonomers chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl alcohol,vinylpyrrolidone, olefins comprising from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, such asoctadecene, ethylene, isobutylene, diisobutylene or isooctylene, andstyrene, the maleic anhydride comonomers optionally being partially orcompletely hydrolysed. Use will preferably be made of hydrophilicpolymers, that is to say polymers having a solubility of water ofgreater than or equal to 2 g/l.

It may be preferable to use copolymers obtained by copolymerization ofone or more maleic anhydride units of which the maleic anhydride unitsare in the hydrolysed form, and more preferably in the form of alkalinesalts, for example in the form of ammonium, sodium, potassium or lithiumsalts.

In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the maleic anhydridecopolymer may have a molar fraction of maleic anhydride units of between0.1 and 1, more preferably between 0.4 and 0.9.

The weight-average molar mass of the maleic anhydride copolymer may bebetween 1,000 and 500,000, and preferably between 1,000 and 50,000.

It is preferable that the maleic anhydride copolymer be a styrene/maleicanhydride copolymer, and more preferably sodium styrene/maleic anhydridecopolymer.

Use will preferably be made of a copolymer of styrene and of maleicanhydride in a 50/50 ratio.

Use may be made, for example, of the styrene/maleic anhydride (50/50)copolymer, in the form of an ammonium salt at 30% in water, sold underthe reference SMA1000H® by Cray Valley or the styrene/maleic anhydride(50/50) copolymer, in the form of a sodium salt at 40% in water, soldunder the reference SMA1000HNa® by Cray Valley.

The amount of the anionic polymer(s) in the composition according to thepresent invention may be from 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably from 0.1to 15% by weight, and more preferably from 0.3 to 12% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition.

(Non-Polymeric Acid having Two or More Acid Dissociation Constants)

The composition according to the present invention includes at least onenon-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof,i.e., at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more aciddissociation constants or salt(s) thereof. The pKa value (aciddissociation constant) is well known to those skilled in the art, andshould be determined at a constant temperature such as 25° C.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereofcan be included in the (a) particle.

The term “non-polymeric” here means that the acid is not obtained bypolymerizing two or more monomers. Therefore, the non-polymeric aciddoes not correspond to an acid obtained by polymerizing two or moremonomers such as polycarboxylic acid.

It is preferable that the molecular weight of the non-polymeric acidhaving two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof is 1000 or less,preferably 800 or less, and more preferably 600 or less.

There is no limit to the type of the non-polymeric acid having two ormore pKa values or salt(s) thereof. Two or more different types ofnon-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values or salts thereof maybe used in combination. Thus, a single type of a non-polymeric acidhaving two or more pKa values or a salt thereof or a combination ofdifferent types of non-polymeric acids having two or more pKa values orsalts thereof may be used.

The term “salt” in the present specification means a salt formed byaddition of suitable base(s) to the non-polymeric acid having two ormore pKa values, which may be obtained from a reaction with thenon-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values with the base(s)according to the methods known to those skilled in the art. As the salt,mention may be made of metal salts, for example salts with alkalinemetal such as Na and Ka, and salts with alkaline earth metal such as Mgand Ca, and ammonium salts.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereofmay be an organic acid or salt(s) thereof, and preferably a hydrophilicor water-soluble organic acid or salt(s) thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may have at leasttwo acid groups selected from the group consisting of a carboxylicgroup, a sulfuric group, a sulfonic group, a phosphonic group, aphenolic hydroxyl group, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values may be selectedfrom the group consisting of dicarboxylic acids, disulfonic acids, anddiphosphonic acids, and a mixture thereof.

The non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereofmay be selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, malonic acid,succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid,azelaic acid, sebacic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, malic acid,citric acid, aconitic acid, oxaloacetic acid, tartaric acid, and saltsthereof; aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and salts thereof;terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or salts thereof (Mexoryl SX),Benzophenone-9; phytic acid, and salts thereof; Red 2 (Amaranth), Red102 (New Coccine), Yellow 5 (Tartrazine), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF),Green 3 (Fast Green FCF), Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF), Blue 2 (IndigoCarmine), Red 201 (Lithol Rubine B), Red 202 (Lithol Rubine BCA), Red204 (Lake Red CBA), Red 206 (Lithol Red CA), Red 207 (Lithol Red BA),Red 208 (Lithol Red SR), Red 219 (Brilliant Lake Red R), Red 220 (DeepMaroon), Red 227 (Fast Acid Magenta), Yellow 203 (Quinoline Yellow WS),Green 201 (Alizanine Cyanine Green F), Green 204 (Pyranine Conc), Green205 (Light Green SF Yellowish), Blue 203 (Patent Blue CA), Blue 205(Alfazurine FG), Red 401 (Violamine R), Red 405 (Permanent Re F5R), Red502 (Ponceau 3R), Red 503 (Ponceau R), Red 504 (Ponceau SX), Green 401(Naphtol Green B), Green 402 (Guinea Green B), and Black 401 (NaphtolBlue Black); folic acid, ascorbic acid, erythorbic acid, and saltsthereof; cystine and salts thereof; EDTA and salts thereof; glycyrrhizinand salts thereof; and a mixture thereof.

It may be preferable that the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKavalues or salt(s) thereof be selected from the group consisting ofterephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof (MexorylSX), Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF), ascorbic acid and salts thereof, anda mixture thereof.

The amount of the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values orsalt(s) thereof in the composition according to the present inventionmay be from 0.001 to 30% by weight, preferably from 0.01 to 20% byweight, and more preferably from 0.1 to 15% by weight, relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

[Physiologically Acceptable Volatile Medium]

The composition according to the present invention comprises at leastone (b) physiologically acceptable volatile medium.

The term “physiologically acceptable” volatile medium is intended todenote a volatile medium that is particularly suitable for applying thecomposition according to the present invention to keratin substance(s).

The term “volatile” means that the (b) physiologically acceptable mediumcan evaporate under a normal atmospheric pressure such as 1 atm and atroom temperature such as 25° C.

The physiologically acceptable medium is generally adapted to the natureof the support onto which the composition according to the presentinvention is to be applied, and also to the form in which thecomposition according to the present invention is to be packaged.

The (b) physiologically acceptable volatile medium may comprise at leastone hydrophilic organic solvent, water or a mixture thereof.

As the hydrophilic organic solvent, mention may be made of, for example,monoalcohols containing from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, such as ethanol orisopropanol; polyols especially containing from 2 to 20 carbon atoms,preferably containing from 2 to 10 carbon atoms and preferentiallycontaining from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, such as glycerol, propylene glycol,butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol,dipropylene glycol or diethylene glycol; glycol ethers (especiallycontaining from 3 to 16 carbon atoms) such as mono-, di- or tripropyleneglycol (C₁-C₄)alkyl ethers, mono-, di- or triethylene glycol(C₁-C₄)alkyl ethers, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of the (b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatilemedium, preferably water, in the composition according to the presentinvention may be from 50 to 99% by weight, preferably from 60 to 97% byweight, and more preferably from 70 to 95% by weight, relative to thetotal weight of the composition.

[Cosmetic Active Ingredient]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone cosmetic active ingredient. There is no limitation to the cosmeticactive ingredient. Two or more cosmetic active ingredients may be usedin combination. Thus, a single type of cosmetic active ingredient or acombination of different types of cosmetic active ingredients may beused.

Among the cosmetic active ingredients to be used, mention may be made ofUV filters, anti-oxidants, cleansing agents, free radical scavengers,moisturizers, whitening agents, liporegulators, anti-acne agents,antidandruff agents, anti-aging agents, softeners, anti-wrinkle agents,keratolitic agents, anti-inflammatory agents, fresheners, healingagents, vascular protectors, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents,antiperspirants, deodorants, skin conditioners, anesthetics,immunomodulators, nourishing agents, and sebum absorbers or moistureabsorbers.

It is preferable that the non-polymeric acid having two or more pKavalues can function as a cosmetic active agent. If the non-polymericacid having two or more pKa values can function as a cosmetic activeagent, it may not be necessary for the composition according to thepresent invention to include cosmetic active agent(s).

The composition according to the present invention may comprise thecosmetic active ingredient(s) in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% byweight, preferably from 0.1 to 40% by weight, more preferably from 1 to30% by weight, and even more preferably 2 to 20% by weight, relative tothe total weight of the composition.

(UV Filter)

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thecosmetic active ingredient may be selected from UV filters.

There is no limit to the type of UV filter. Two or more types of UVfilters may be used in combination. Thus, a single type of UV filter ora combination of different types of UV filters may be used. The UVfilter can be selected from the group consisting of an inorganic UVfilter, an organic UV filter, and a mixture thereof.

(Inorganic UV Filter)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone inorganic UV filter. If two or more inorganic UV filters are used,they may be the same or different, preferably the same.

The inorganic UV filter used for the present invention may be active inthe UV-A and/or UV-B region. The inorganic UV filter may be hydrophilicand/or lipophilic. The inorganic UV filter is preferably insoluble insolvents such as water and ethanol commonly used in cosmetics.

It is preferable that the inorganic UV filter be in the form of a fineparticle such that the mean (primary) particle diameter thereof rangesfrom 1 nm to 50 nm, preferably 5 nm to 40 nm, and more preferably 10 nmto 30 nm. The mean (primary) particle size or mean (primary) particlediameter here is an arithmetic mean diameter.

The inorganic UV filter can be selected from the group consisting ofsilicon carbide, metal oxides which may or may not be coated, andmixtures thereof.

Preferably, the inorganic UV filters may be selected from pigments (meansize of the primary particles: generally from 5 nm to 50 nm, preferablyfrom 10 nm to 50 nm) formed of metal oxides, such as, for example,pigments formed of titanium oxide (amorphous or crystalline in therutile and/or anatase form), iron oxide, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide orcerium oxide, which are all UV photoprotective agents that are wellknown per se. Preferably, the inorganic UV filters may be selected fromtitanium oxide, zinc oxide, and more preferably titanium oxide.

The inorganic UV filter may or may not be coated. The inorganic UVfilter may have at least one coating. The coating may comprise at leastone compound selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica,aluminum hydroxide, silicones, silanes, fatty acids or salts thereof(such as sodium, potassium, zinc, iron, or aluminum salts), fattyalcohols, lecithin, amino acids, polysaccharides, proteins,alkanolamines, waxes such as beeswax, (meth)acrylic polymers, organic UVfilters, and (per)fluoro compounds.

It is preferable for the coating to include at least one organic UVfilter. As the organic UV filter in the coating, a dibenzoylmethanederivative such as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) and2,2′-Methylenebis[6-(2H-Benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethyl-Butyl)Phenol](Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) marketed as“TINOSORB M” by BASF may be preferable.

In a known manner, the silicones in the coating(s) may be organosiliconpolymers or oligomers comprising a linear or cyclic and branched orcross-linked structure, of variable molecular weight, obtained bypolymerization and/or polycondensation of suitable functional silanesand essentially composed of repeated main units in which the siliconatoms are connected to one another via oxygen atoms (siloxane bond),optionally substituted hydrocarbon radicals being connected directly tosaid silicon atoms via a carbon atom.

The term “silicones” also encompasses silanes necessary for theirpreparation, in particular alkylsilanes.

The silicones used for the coating(s) can preferably be selected fromthe group consisting of alkylsilanes, polydialkylsiloxanes, andpolyalkylhydrosiloxanes. More preferably still, the silicones areselected from the group consisting of octyltrimethylsilanes,polydimethylsiloxanes, and polymethylhydrosiloxanes.

Of course, the inorganic UV filters made of metal oxides may, beforetheir treatment with silicones, have been treated with other surfacingagents, in particular, with cerium oxide, alumina, silica, aluminumcompounds, silicon compounds, or their mixtures.

The coated inorganic UV filter may have been prepared by subjecting theinorganic UV filter to one or more surface treatments of a chemical,electronic, mechanochemical, and/or mechanical nature with any of thecompounds as described above, as well as polyethylenes, metal alkoxides(titanium or aluminum alkoxides), metal oxides, sodiumhexametaphosphate, and those shown, for example, in Cosmetics &Toiletries, February 1990, Vol. 105, pp. 53-64.

The coated inorganic UV filters may be titanium oxides coated with:

silica, such as the product “Sunveil” from Ikeda;

silica and iron oxide, such as the product “Sunveil F” from Ikeda;

silica and alumina, such as the products “Microtitanium Dioxide MT 500SA” from Tayca, “Tioveil” from Tioxide, and “Mirasun TiW 60” fromRhodia;

alumina, such as the products “Tipaque TTO-55 (B)” and “Tipaque TTO-55(A)” from Ishihara, and “UVT 14/4” from Kemira;

alumina and aluminum stearate, such as the product “MicrotitaniumDioxide MT 100 T, MT 100 TX, MT 100 Z or MT-01” from Tayca, the products“Solaveil CT-10 W” and “Solaveil CT 100” from Uniqema, and the product“Eusolex T-AVO” from Merck;

alumina and aluminum laurate, such as the product “Microtitanium DioxideMT 100 S” from Tayca;

iron oxide and iron stearate, such as the product “Microtitanium DioxideMT 100 F” from Tayca;

zinc oxide and zinc stearate, such as the product “BR351” from Tayca;

silica and alumina and treated with a silicone, such as the products“Microtitanium Dioxide MT 600 SAS”, “Microtitanium Dioxide MT 500 SAS”,and “Microtitanium Dioxide MT 100 SAS” from Tayca;

silica, alumina, and aluminum stearate and treated with a silicone, suchas the product “STT-30-DS” from Titan Kogyo;

silica and treated with a silicone, such as the product “UV-Titan X 195”from Kemira;

alumina and treated with a silicone, such as the products “TipaqueTTO-55 (S)” from Ishihara or “UV Titan M 262” from Kemira;

triethanolamine, such as the product “STT-65-S” from Titan Kogyo;

stearic acid, such as the product “Tipaque TTO-55 (C)” from Ishihara; orsodium hexametaphosphate, such as the product “Microtitanium Dioxide MT150 W” from Tayca.

Other titanium oxide pigments treated with a silicone are preferablyTiO₂ treated with octyltrimethylsilane and for which the mean size ofthe individual particles is from 25 and 40 nm, such as that marketedunder the trademark “T 805” by Degussa Silices, TiO₂ treated with apolydimethylsiloxane and for which the mean size of the individualparticles is 21 nm, such as that marketed under the trademark “70250Cardre UF TiO₂Si₃” by Cardre, and anatase/rutile TiO₂ treated with apolydimethylhydrosiloxane and for which the mean size of the individualparticles is 25 nm, such as that marketed under the trademark“Microtitanium Dioxide USP Grade Hydrophobic” by Color Techniques.

Preferably, the following coated TiO₂ can be used as the coatedinorganic UV filter:

Stearic acid (and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) TiO₂, such as the product“MT-100 TV” from Tayca, with a mean primary particle diameter of 15 nm;

Dimethicone (and) Stearic Acid (and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) TiO₂, suchas the product “SA-TTO-S4” from Miyoshi Kasei, with a mean primaryparticle diameter of 15 nm;

Silica (and) TiO₂, such as the product “MT-100 WP” from Tayca, with amean primary particle diameter of 15 nm;

Dimethicone (and) Silica (and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) TiO₂, such asthe product “MT-Y02” and “MT-Y-110 M3S” from Tayca, with a mean primaryparticle diameter of 10 nm;

Dimethicone (and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) TiO₂, such as the product“SA-TTO-S3” from Miyoshi Kasei, with a mean primary particle diameter of15 nm;

Dimethicone (and) Alumina (and) TiO₂, such as the product “UV TITANM170” from Sachtleben, with a mean primary particle diameter of 15 nm;and

Silica (and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) Alginic Acid (and) TiO₂, such asthe product “MT-100 AQ” from Tayca, with a mean primary particlediameter of 15 nm.

In terms of UV filtering ability, TiO₂ coated with at least one organicUV filter is more preferable. For example, Avobenzone (and) Stearic Acid(and) Aluminum Hydroxide (and) TiO₂, such as the product “HXMT-100ZA”from Tayca, with a mean primary particle diameter of 15 nm, can be used.

The uncoated titanium oxide pigments are, for example, marketed by Taycaunder the trademarks “Microtitanium Dioxide MT500B” or “MicrotitaniumDioxide MT600B”, by Degussa under the trademark “P 25”, by Wacker underthe trademark “Oxyde de titane transparent PW”, by Miyoshi Kasei underthe trademark “UFTR”, by Tomen under the trademark “ITS”, and by Tioxideunder the trademark “Tioveil AQ”.

The uncoated zinc oxide pigments are, for example:

those marketed under the trademark “Z-cote” by Sunsmart;

those marketed under the trademark “Nanox” by Elementis; and

those marketed under the trademark “Nanogard WCD 2025” by NanophaseTechnologies.

The coated zinc oxide pigments are, for example:

those marketed under the trademark “Oxide Zinc CS-5” by Toshiba (ZnOcoated with polymethylhydrosiloxane);

those marketed under the trademark “Nanogard Zinc Oxide FN” by NanophaseTechnologies (as a 40% dispersion in Finsolv TN, C₁₂-C₁₅ alkylbenzoate);

those marketed under the trademark “Daitopersion Zn-30” and“Daitopersion Zn-50” by Daito (dispersions in oxyethylenatedpolydimethylsiloxane/cyclopolymethylsiloxane comprising 30% or 50% ofzinc nano-oxides coated with silica and polymethylhydrosiloxane);

those marketed under the trademark “NFD Ultrafine ZnO” by Daikin (ZnOcoated with phosphate of perfluoroalkyl and a copolymer based onperfluoroalkylethyl as a dispersion in cyclopentasiloxane);

those marketed under the trademark “SPD-Z1” by Shin-Etsu (ZnO coatedwith a silicone-grafted acrylic polymer dispersed incyclodimethylsiloxane);

those marketed under the trademark “Escalol Z100” by ISP(alumina-treated ZnO dispersed in an ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate/PVP-hexadecene copolymer/methicone mixture);

those marketed under the trademark “Fuji ZnO-SMS-10” by Fuji Pigment(ZnO coated with silica and polymethylsilsesquioxane); and thosemarketed under the trademark “Nanox Gel TN” by Elementis (ZnO dispersedat 55% in C₁₂-C₁₅ alkyl benzoate with hydroxystearic acidpolycondensate).

The uncoated cerium oxide pigments are marketed, for example, under thetrademark “Colloidal Cerium Oxide” by Rhone-Poulenc.

The uncoated iron oxide pigments are, for example, marketed by Arnaudunder the trademarks “Nanogard WCD 2002 (FE 45B)”, “Nanogard Iron FE 45BL AQ”, “Nanogard FE 45R AQ”, and “Nanogard WCD 2006 (FE 45R)”, or byMitsubishi under the trademark “TY-220”.

The coated iron oxide pigments are, for example, marketed by Arnaudunder the trademarks “Nanogard WCD 2008 (FE 45B FN)”, “Nanogard WCD 2009(FE 45B 556)”, “Nanogard FE 45 BL 345”, and “Nanogard FE 45 BL”, or byBASF under the trademark “Oxyde de fer transparent”.

Mention may also be made of mixtures of metal oxides, in particular, oftitanium dioxide and of cerium dioxide, including a mixture of equalweights of titanium dioxide coated with silica and of cerium dioxidecoated with silica marketed by Ikeda under the trademark “Sunveil A”,and also a mixture of titanium dioxide and of zinc dioxide coated withalumina, with silica and with silicone, such as the product “M 261”marketed by Kemira, or coated with alumina, with silica, and withglycerol, such as the product “M 211” marketed by Kemira.

Coated inorganic UV filters are preferable, because the UV filteringeffects of the inorganic UV filters can be enhanced. In addition, thecoating(s) may help uniformly or homogeneously disperse the UV filtersin the composition according to the present invention.

If the inorganic UV filter(s) in the form of fine particles is/are used,a film according to the present invention which can be prepared from thecomposition according to the present invention may also have an effectof not providing a white appearance but a transparent or clearappearance, because the fine particles of the inorganic UV filters donot aggregate but can be spread uniformly or homogeneously in the film.It should be noted that free fine particles of inorganic UV filter(s)easily aggregate to give a white appearance to the skin.

(Organic UV Filter)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone organic UV filter. If two or more organic UV filters are used, theymay be the same or different, preferably the same.

The organic UV filter used for the present invention may be active inthe UV-A and/or UV-B region. The organic UV filter may be hydrophilicand/or lipophilic.

The organic UV filter may be solid or liquid. The terms “solid” and“liquid” mean solid and liquid, respectively, at 25° C. under 1 atm.

The organic UV filter can be selected from the group consisting ofanthranilic compounds; dibenzoylmethane compounds; cinnamic compounds;salicylic compounds; camphor compounds; benzophenone compounds;β,β-diphenylacrylate compounds; triazine compounds; benzotriazolecompounds; benzalmalonate compounds; benzimidazole compounds;imidazoline compounds; bis-benzoazolyl compounds; p-aminobenzoic acid(PABA) compounds; methylenebis(hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole) compounds;benzoxazole compounds; screening polymers and screening silicones;dimers derived from α-alkylstyrene; 4,4-diarylbutadiene compounds;guaiazulene and derivatives thereof; rutin and derivatives thereof; andmixtures thereof.

Mention may be made, as examples of the organic UV filter(s), of thosedenoted below under their INCI names, and mixtures thereof.

Anthranilic compounds: Menthyl anthranilate, marketed under thetrademark “Neo Heliopan MA” by Haarmann and Reimer.

Dibenzoylmethane compounds: Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, marketed inparticular under the trademark “Parsol 1789” by Hoffmann-La Roche; andisopropyl dibenzoylmethane.

Cinnamic compounds: Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, marketed in particularunder the trademark “Parsol MCX” by Hoffmann-La Roche; isopropylmethoxycinnamate; isopropoxy methoxycinnamate; isoamyl methoxycinnamate,marketed under the trademark “Neo Heliopan E 1000” by Haarmann andReimer; cinoxate (2-ethoxyethyl-4-methoxy cinnamate); DEAmethoxycinnamate; diisopropyl methylcinnamate; and glycerylethylhexanoate dimethoxycinnamate.

Salicylic compounds: Homosalate (homomentyl salicylate), marketed underthe trademark “Eusolex HMS” by Rona/EM Industries; ethylhexylsalicylate, marketed under the trademark “Neo Heliopan OS” by Haarmannand Reimer; glycol salicylate; butyloctyl salicylate; phenyl salicylate;dipropyleneglycol salicylate, marketed under the trademark “Dipsal” byScher; and TEA salicylate, marketed under the trademark “Neo HeliopanTS” by Haarmann and Reimer.

Camphor compounds, in particular, benzylidenecamphor derivatives:3-benzylidene camphor, manufactured under the trademark “Mexoryl SD” byChimex; 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, marketed under the trademark“Eusolex 6300” by Merck; benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid, manufacturedunder the trademark “Mexoryl SL” by Chimex; camphor benzalkoniummethosulfate, manufactured under the trademark “Mexoryl SO” by Chimex;terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, manufactured under thetrademark “Mexoryl SX” by Chimex; and polyacrylamidomethyl benzylidenecamphor, manufactured under the trademark “Mexoryl SW” by Chimex.

Benzophenone compounds: Benzophenone-1 (2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone),marketed under the trademark “Uvinul 400” by BASF; benzophenone-2(Tetrahydroxybenzophenone), marketed under the trademark “Uvinul D50” byBASF; Benzophenone-3 (2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone) or oxybenzone,marketed under the trademark “Uvinul M40” by BASF; benzophenone-4(hydroxymethoxy benzophonene sulfonic acid), marketed under thetrademark “Uvinul MS40” by BASF; benzophenone-5 (Sodium hydroxymethoxybenzophenone Sulfonate); benzophenone-6 (dihydroxy dimethoxybenzophenone); marketed under the trademark “Helisorb 11” by Norquay;benzophenone-8, marketed under the trademark “Spectra-Sorb UV-24” byAmerican Cyanamid; benzophenone-9 (Disodium dihydroxy dimethoxybenzophenonedisulfonate), marketed under the trademark “Uvinul DS-49” byBASF; benzophenone-12, and n-hexyl2-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate (UVINUL A+ by BASF).

β,β-Diphenylacrylate compounds: Octocrylene, marketed in particularunder the trademark “Uvinul N539” by BASF; and Etocrylene, marketed inparticular under the trademark “Uvinul N35” by BASF.

Triazine compounds: Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, marketed under thetrademark “Uvasorb HEB” by Sigma 3V; 2,4,6-tris(dineopentyl4′-aminobenzalmalonate)-s-triazine, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenolmethoxyphenyl triazine marketed under the trademark «TINOSORB S» by CIBAGEIGY, and ethylhexyl triazone marketed under the trademark «UVINULT150» by BASF.

Benzotriazole compounds, in particular, phenylbenzotriazole derivatives:2-(2H-benzotriazole-2-yl)-6-dodecyl-4-methylpheno, branched and linear;and those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,975.

Benzalmalonate compounds: Dineopentyl 4′-methoxybenzalmalonate, andpolyorganosiloxane comprising benzalmalonate functional groups, such aspolysilicone-15, marketed under the trademark “Parsol SLX” byHoffmann-LaRoche.

Benzimidazole compounds, in particular, phenylbenzimidazole derivatives:Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, marketed in particular under thetrademark “Eusolex 232” by Merck, and disodium phenyl dibenzimidazoletetrasulfonate, marketed under the trademark “Neo Heliopan AP” byHaarmann and Reimer.

Imidazoline compounds: Ethylhexyl dimethoxybenzylidene dioxoimidazolinepropionate.

Bis-benzoazolyl compounds: The derivatives as described in EP-669,323and U.S. Pat. No. 2,463,264.

Para-aminobenzoic acid compounds: PABA (p-aminobenzoic acid), ethylPABA, Ethyl dihydroxypropyl PABA, pentyl dimethyl PABA, ethylhexyldimethyl PABA, marketed in particular under the trademark “Escalol 507”by ISP, glyceryl PABA, and PEG-25 PABA, marketed under the trademark“Uvinul P25” by BASF.

Methylene bis-(hydroxyphenylbenzotriazol) compounds, such as2,2′-methylenebis[6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-phenol] marketed inthe solid form under the trademark “Mixxim BB/200” by FairmountChemical,2,2′-methylenebis[6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol]marketed in the micronized form in aqueous dispersion under thetrademark “Tinosorb M” by BASF, or under the trademark “Mixxim BB/100”by Fairmount Chemical, and the derivatives as described in U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,237,071, 5,166,355, GB-2,303,549, DE-197,26,184 and EP-893,119,and Drometrizole trisiloxane, marketed under the trademark “Silatrizole”by Rhodia Chimie or “Mexoryl XL” by L'Oreal, as represented below.

Benzoxazole compounds:2,4-bis[5-1(dimethylpropyl)benzoxazol-2-yl-(4-phenyl)imino]-6-(2-ethylhexyl)imino-1,3,5-triazine,marketed under the trademark of Uvasorb K2A by Sigma 3V.

Screening polymers and screening silicones: The silicones described inWO 93/04665.

Dimers derived from α-alkylstyrene: The dimers described in DE-19855649.

4,4-Diarylbutadiene compounds:1,1-dicarboxy(2,2′-dimethylpropyl)-4,4-diphenylbutadiene.

It is preferable that the organic UV filter(s) be selected from thegroup consisting of: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate, homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, octocrylene,phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, benzophenone-3, benzophenone-4,benzophenone-5, n-hexyl 2-(4-diethylamino-2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzoate,piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]-methanone4-methylbenzylidene camphor, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid,disodium phenyl dibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, ethylhexyl triazone,bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, diethylhexyl butamidotriazone, 2,4,6-tris(dineopentyl 4′-aminobenzalmalonate)-s-triazine,2,4,6-tris(diisobutyl 4′-aminobenzalmalonate)-s-triazine,2,4-bis-(n-butyl4′-aminobenzalmalonate)-6-[(3-{1,3,3,3-tetramethyl-1-[(trimethylsilyloxy]-disiloxanyl}propyl)amino]-s-triazine,2,4,6-tris-(di-phenyl)-triazine, 2,4,6-tris-(ter-phenyl)-triazine,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, drometrizoletrisiloxane, polysilicone-15, dineopentyl 4′-methoxybenzalmalonate,1,1-dicarboxy(2,2′-dimethylpropyl)-4,4-diphenylbutadiene, 2,4-bis[5-1(dimethylpropyl)benzoxazol-2-yl-(4-phenyl)imino]-6-(2-ethylhexyl)imino-1,3,5-triazine,camphor benzylkonium methosulfate and mixtures thereof.

It is possible that the UV filter be water-soluble or water-dispersible,in particular, water-soluble. As an example of the water-soluble UVfilter, mention may be made of Mexoryl SX. Normally, the water-solubleor water-dispersible UV filter can be removed from the surface of akeratinous substrate such as skin by water such as sweat and rain.However, since the water-soluble or water-dispersible UV filter isincluded in the film according to the present invention which can beprepared from the composition according to the present invention, it isdifficult for the water-soluble or water-dispersible UV filter to beremoved from film by water, thereby resulting in long-lasting UVshielding effects.

(Whitening Agent)

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thecosmetic active ingredient may be selected from whitening agents.

There is no limit to the type of whitening agent. Two or more types ofwhitening agents may be used in combination. Thus, a single type ofwhitening agent or a combination of different types of whitening agentsmay be used.

As examples of the whitening agent, mention may be made of ascorbic acidor derivatives thereof, kojic acid or derivatives thereof, tranexamicacid or derivatives thereof, resorcinol or derivatives thereof,alkoxysalicylic acid or salts thereof, adenosine phosphate or saltsthereof, hydroquinone or glycosides thereof or derivatives thereof,glutathione, 4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol, magnolignan(5,5′-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2′-diol), placenta extracts, chamomillarecutita, and the like.

Ascorbic acid has a D-configuration or L-configuration, and theL-configuration one is preferably employed. Ascorbic acid is alsoreferred to as vitamin C, and has effects of inhibiting the productionof melanin due to the strong reduction effects of ascorbic acid. Thederivatives of ascorbic acid may be salts of ascorbic acid, and thesalts of ascorbic acid are preferably selected from sodium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. Thederivatives of ascorbic acids may be glycosides of ascorbic acid oresters of ascorbic acid. As an example of glycosides of ascorbic acid,mention may be made of, for example, ascorbyl glucoside. As examples ofesters of ascorbic acid, mention may be made of, for example, silylascorbate, tocopheryl ascorbate, and alkyl ascorbate. As the alkylascorbate, methyl ascorbate or ethyl ascorbate is preferably used. Inparticular, ascorbyl glucoside is preferable. Ascorbic acid orderivatives thereof can be used alone or in combination with two or moretypes thereof.

As detailed examples of derivatives of ascorbic acid, mention may bemade of, for example, 5,6-di-O-dimethylsilyl ascorbate, which iscommercially available as PRO-AA from Exsymol SAM;dl-alpha-tocopheryl-2-l-ascorbyl phosphate which is commerciallyavailable as SEPIVITAL EPC from Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; sodiumascorbyl phosphate which is commercially available as Stay-C 50 fromRoche; ascorbyl glucoside which is commercially available fromHayashibara Biochemical Labs., Inc.; 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid; and thelike.

Ascorbic acid or the derivative thereof is preferably used incombination with a copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride. Inparticular, at least one part of the maleic anhydride unit of theaforementioned copolymer is preferably hydrolyzed. The aforementionedhydrolyzed maleic anhydride unit may be in the form of an alkaline saltsuch as a sodium salt, a potassium salt, a lithium salt, or the like.The aforementioned maleic anhydride unit preferably occupies 0.4 to 0.9mol per one mol of the entire copolymer, and a ratio of the maleicanhydride unit and the styrene unit is preferably 50:50. In particular,it is preferable that the ratio of the maleic anhydride unit and thestyrene unit be preferably 50:50, and the ammonium salt or sodium saltbe used. By employing ascorbic acid or the derivative thereof incombination with the aforementioned copolymer, stability of ascorbicacid or the derivative thereof is improved. As the aforementionedcopolymer, for example, a copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride(50/50) in the form of an ammonium salt in a concentration of 30% inwater, which is commercially available as product number SMA 1000 H(trademark) from Atofina Chemicals Inc.; or a copolymer of styrene andmaleic anhydride (50/50) in the form of a sodium salt in a concentrationof 40% in water, which is commercially available as product number SMA1000 H Na (trademark) from Atofina Chemicals Inc., can be used. Theaforementioned copolymer is used in a concentration ranging from 0.1 to20% by weight, and preferably ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight, withrespect to the total weight of the whitening agent for topicalapplication.

As an example of derivatives of kojic acid, mention may be made of, forexample, kojic acid glucoside.

As examples of derivatives of tranexamic acid, mention may be made ofdimers of tranexamic acid (such as hydrochloric acidtrans-4-(trans-aminomethylcyclohexanecarbonyl)aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylicacid), esters of tranexamic acid and hydroquinone (such as4′-hydroxyphenyl trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexane carboxylate), esters oftranexamic acid and gentisic acid (such as2-(trans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarbonyloxy)-5-hydroxybenzoic acid andsalts thereof), tranexamic amides (such astrans-4-aminomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid methylamide and saltsthereof, trans-4-(p-methoxybenzoyl)aminomethylcyclohexane carboxylicacid and salts thereof, and trans-4-guanidinomethylcyclohexanecarboxylic acid and salts thereof), and the like.

As examples of derivatives of resorcinol, mention may be made of, forexample, 4-n-butylresorcinol (Rucinol) and the like.

An alkoxysalicylic acid is a compound in which any one of hydrogen atomsin the 3-position, the 4-position, or the 5-position of salicylic acidis substituted by an alkoxy group. The aforementioned alkoxy group ispreferably any one of a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group,an isopropoxy group, a butoxy group, and isobutoxy group, and is morepreferably a methoxy group or an ethoxy group. As examples of thecompound, mention may be made of, for example, 3-methoxysalicylic acid,3-ethoxysalicylic acid, 4-methoxysalicylic acid, 4-ethoxysalicylic acid,4-propoxysalicylic acid, 4-isopropoxysalicylic acid, 4-butoxysalicylicacid, 5-methoxysalicylic acid, 5-ethoxysalicylic acid,5-propoxysalicylic acid, and the like. Salts of the alkoxysalicylicacids are not particularly limited. As examples thereof, mention may bemade of, for example, alkali metal salts or alkaline earth metal saltssuch as sodium salts, potassium salts, calcium salts, and the like,ammonium salts, amino acid salts, and the like. A potassium salt of4-methoxysalicylic acid is preferable.

As examples of adenosine phosphate or salts thereof, mention may be madeof, for example, disodium adenosine phosphate, and the like.

As examples of glycosides of hydroquinone, mention may be made of, forexample, hexose glycosides such as hydroquinone alpha-D-glucose,hydroquinone beta-D-glucose, hydroquinone alpha-L-glucose, hydroquinonebeta-L-glucose, hydroquinone alpha-D-galactose, hydroquinonebeta-D-galactose, hydroquinone alpha-L-galactose, hydroquinonebeta-L-galactose, and the like; pentose glycosides such as hydroquinonealpha-D-ribose, hydroquinone beta-D-ribose, hydroquinone alpha-L-ribose,hydroquinone beta-L-ribose, hydroquinone alpha-D-arabinose, hydroquinonebeta-D-arabinose, hydroquinone alpha-L-arabinose, hydroquinonebeta-L-arabinose, and the like; aminosugar glycosides such ashydroquinone alpha-D-glucosamine, hydroquinone beta-D-glucosamine,hydroquinone alpha-L-glucosamine, hydroquinone beta-L-glucosamine,hydroquinone alpha-D-galactosamine, hydroquinone beta-D-galactosamine,hydroquinone alpha-L-galactosamine, hydroquinone beta-L-galactosamine,and the like; urocanic acid glycosides such as hydroquinonealpha-D-glucuronic acid, hydroquinone beta-D-glucuronic acid,hydroquinone alpha-L-glucuronic acid, hydroquinone beta-L-glucuronicacid, hydroquinone alpha-D-galacturonic acid, hydroquinonebeta-D-galacturonic acid, hydroquinone alpha-L-galacturonic acid,hydroquinone beta-L-galacturonic acid, and the like; and the like. Amongthese compounds, hydroquinone beta-D-glucose (hereinafter, referred toas “arbutin”) is preferable. As examples of derivatives of hydroquinoneor glycosides thereof, mention may be made of, for example, salts ofhydroquinone or glycosides thereof. In particular, as examples ofarbutin derivatives, mention may be made of, for example,6-O-caffeoylarbutin, and the like.

As the whitening active ingredients, in particular, L-ascorbic acid orderivatives thereof, kojic acid or derivatives thereof, tranexamic acidor derivatives thereof, arbutin or derivatives thereof, and Rucinol arepreferable, and ascorbic acid derivatives such as 3-O-ethyl L-ascorbicacid and L-ascorbic acid glucoside are more preferable.

[pH]

The pH of the composition according to the present invention may be from3 to 9, preferably from 3.5 to 8.5, and more preferably from 4 to 8.

The pH of the composition may be adjusted by adding at least onealkaline agent and/or at least one acid. The pH of the composition mayalso be adjusted by adding at least one buffering agent.

(Alkaline Agent)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone alkaline agent. Two or more alkaline agents may be used incombination. Thus, a single type of alkaline agent or a combination ofdifferent types of alkaline agents may be used.

The alkaline agent may be an inorganic alkaline agent. It is preferablethat the inorganic alkaline agent be selected from the group consistingof ammonia; alkaline metal hydroxides; alkaline earth metal hydroxides;alkaline metal phosphates and monohydrogenophosphates such as sodiumphosphate or sodium monohydrogeno phosphate.

As examples of the inorganic alkaline metal hydroxides, mention may bemade of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. As examples of thealkaline earth metal hydroxides, mention may be made of calciumhydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. As inorganic alkaline agent, sodiumhydroxide is preferable.

The alkaline agent may be an organic alkaline agent. It is preferablethat the organic alkaline agent be selected from the group consisting ofmonoamines and derivatives thereof; diamines and derivatives thereof;polyamines and derivatives thereof; basic amino acids and derivativesthereof; oligomers of basic amino acids and derivatives thereof;polymers of basic amino acids and derivatives thereof; urea andderivatives thereof; and guanidine and derivatives thereof.

As examples of the organic alkaline agents, mention may be made ofalkanolamines such as mono-, di- and tri-ethanolamine, andisopropanolamine; urea, guanidine and their derivatives; basic aminoacids such as lysine, ornithine or arginine; and diamines such as thosedescribed in the structure below:

wherein R denotes an alkylene such as propylene optionally substitutedby a hydroxyl or a C₁-C₄ alkyl radical, and R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄independently denote a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical or a C₁-C₄hydroxyalkyl radical, which may be exemplified by 1,3-propanediamine andderivatives thereof. Arginine, urea and monoethanolamine are preferable.

The alkaline agent(s) may be used in a total amount of from 0.1 to 20%by weight, preferably from 0.2 to 10% by weight, more preferably from0.3 to 5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition,depending on their solubility.

(Acid)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone acid. Two or more acids may be used in combination. Thus, a singletype of acid or a combination of different types of acids may be used.

As the acid, mention may be made of any inorganic or organic acids whichare commonly used in cosmetic products. A monovalent acid and/or apolyvalent acid may be used. A monovalent acid such as citric acid,lactic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid and hydrochloric acid (HCl)may be used. HCl is preferable.

The acid(s) may be used in a total amount of from 0.1 to 15% by weight,preferably from 0.2 to 10% by weight, more preferably from 0.3 to 5% byweight, relative to the total weight of the composition, depending ontheir solubility.

(Buffering Agent)

The composition according to the present invention may comprise at leastone buffering agent. Two or more buffering agents may be used incombination. Thus, a single type of buffering agent or a combination ofdifferent types of buffering agents may be used.

As the buffering agent, mention may be made of an acetate buffer (forexample, acetic acid+sodium acetate), a phosphate buffer (for example,sodium dihydrogen phosphate+di-sodium hydrogen phosphate), a citratebuffer (for example, citric acid+sodium citrate), a borate buffer (forexample, boric acid+sodium borate), a tartrate buffer (for example,tartaric acid+sodium tartrate dihydrate), Tris buffer (for example,tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane), Hepes buffer(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid).

[Optional Additives]

The composition according to the present invention may comprise, inaddition to the aforementioned components, components typically employedin cosmetics, specifically, such as dyes, powders, surfactants oremulsifiers, oils, thickeners, organic non-volatile solvents, siliconesand silicone derivatives, natural extracts derived from animals orvegetables, waxes, and the like, within a range which does not impairthe effects of the present invention.

The composition according to the present invention may comprise theabove optional additive(s) in an amount of from 0.01 to 50% by weight,preferably from 0.05 to 30% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1 to10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the composition according to the present inventionmay include (c) at least one oil. Two or more oils may be used incombination. Thus, a single type of oil or a combination of differenttypes of oils may be used. Herein, the term “oil” is understood to meana fatty substance which is liquid at ambient temperature (25° C.).

The (c) oil(s) may be volatile or non-volatile.

The oil(s) may be of animal, plant, mineral or synthetic origin.

The term “non-volatile oil” means an oil that remains on a keratinsubstance at room temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure. Morespecifically, a non-volatile oil has an evaporation rate strictly lessthan 0.01 mg/cm²/min.

To measure this evaporation rate, 15 g of oil or of oil mixture to betested are placed in a crystallizing dish 7 cm in diameter, which isplaced on a balance in a large chamber of about 0.3 m³ that istemperature-regulated, at a temperature of 25° C., andhygrometry-regulated, at a relative humidity of 50%. The liquid isallowed to evaporate freely, without stirring it, while providingventilation by means of a fan (Papst-Motoren, reference 8550 N, rotatingat 2700 rpm) placed in a vertical position above the crystallizing dishcontaining said oil or said mixture, the blades being directed towardsthe crystallizing dish, 20 cm away from the bottom of the crystallizingdish. The mass of oil remaining in the crystallizing dish is measured atregular intervals. The evaporation rates are expressed in mg of oilevaporated per unit of area (cm²) and per unit of time (minutes).

The term “volatile oil” means any non-aqueous medium that is capable ofevaporating on contact with the skin or the lips in less than one hour,at room temperature (25° C.) and atmospheric pressure. The volatile oilis a cosmetic volatile oil, which is liquid at room temperature (25°C.). More specifically, a volatile oil has an evaporation rate ofbetween 0.01 and 200 mg/cm²/min, limits included.

(Volatile Oils)

The volatile oils may be chosen from hydrocarbon-based oils containingfrom 8 to 16 carbon atoms, and especially C₈-C₁₆ branched alkanes (alsoknown as isoparaffins), for instance isododecane (also known as2,2,4,4,6-pentamethylheptane), isodecane and isohexadecane, for instancethe oils sold under the trade names Isopar® or Permethyl®.

Volatile oils that may also be used include volatile silicones, forinstance volatile linear or cyclic silicone oils, especially those witha viscosity of less than or equal to 8 centistokes (cSt) (8×10⁻⁶ m²/s),and especially containing from 2 to 10 silicon atoms and in particularfrom 2 to 7 silicon atoms, these silicones optionally comprising alkylor alkoxy groups containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms. As volatilesilicone oils that may be used in the present invention, mention may bemade especially of dimethicones with viscosities of 5 and 6 cSt,octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane,dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane, heptamethylhexyltrisiloxane,heptamethyloctyltrisiloxane, hexamethyldisiloxane,octamethyltrisiloxane, decamethyltetrasiloxane anddodecamethylpentasiloxane, and mixtures thereof.

According to one embodiment, the cosmetic composition according to thepresent invention may comprise from 1 to 80% by weight, or even from 5to 70% by weight, or even from 10 to 60% by weight and especially from15 to 50% by weight of volatile oil relative to the total weight of thecomposition.

(Non-Volatile Oils)

The non-volatile oils may be chosen especially from non-volatilehydrocarbon-based, fluoro and/or silicone oils.

Non-volatile hydrocarbon-based oils that may especially be mentionedinclude:

-   -   hydrocarbon-based oils of animal origin, such as        perhydrosqualene,    -   hydrocarbon-based oils of plant origin, such as phytostearyl        esters, such as phytostearyl oleate, phytostearyl isostearate        and lauroyl/octyldodecyl/phytostearyl glutamate (Ajinomoto,        Eldew PS203), triglycerides formed from fatty acid esters of        glycerol, in particular in which the fatty acids may have chain        lengths ranging from C₄ to C₃₆ and especially from C₁₈ to C₃₆,        these oils possibly being linear or branched, and saturated or        unsaturated; these oils may especially be heptanoic or octanoic        triglycerides, shea oil, alfalfa oil, poppy oil, winter squash        oil, millet oil, barley oil, quinoa oil, rye oil, candlenut oil,        passionflower oil, shea butter, aloe vera oil, sweet almond oil,        peach stone oil, groundnut oil, argan oil, avocado oil, baobab        oil, borage oil, broccoli oil, calendula oil, camelina oil,        canola oil, carrot oil, safflower oil, flax oil, rapeseed oil,        cotton oil, coconut oil, marrow seed oil, wheatgerm oil, jojoba        oil, lily oil, macadamia oil, corn oil, meadowfoam oil, St        John's Wort oil, monoi oil, hazelnut oil, apricot kernel oil,        walnut oil, olive oil, evening primrose oil, palm oil,        blackcurrant pip oil, kiwi seed oil, grapeseed oil, pistachio        oil, winter squash oil, pumpkin oil, musk rose oil, sesame oil,        soybean oil, sunflower oil, castor oil and watermelon seed oil,        and mixtures thereof, or alternatively caprylic/capric acid        triglycerides, such as those sold by the company Stearineries        Dubois or those sold under the names Miglyol 810®, 812® and 818®        by the company Dynamit Nobel,    -   linear or branched hydrocarbons of mineral or synthetic origin,        such as liquid paraffins and derivatives thereof, petroleum        jelly, polydecenes, polybutenes, hydrogenated polyisobutene such        as Parleam, and squalane;    -   synthetic ethers containing from 10 to 40 carbon atoms;    -   synthetic esters, for instance the oils of formula R₁COOR₂, in        which R₁ represents a linear or branched fatty acid residue        containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and R₂ represents a        hydrocarbon-based chain, which is especially branched,        containing from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, on condition that the sum        of the number of carbon atoms in the chains R₁ and R₂ is greater        than or equal to 10. The esters may be chosen especially from        fatty acid esters of alcohols, for instance cetostearyl        octanoate, isopropyl alcohol esters, such as isopropyl        myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl        palmitate, isopropyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isostearyl        isostearate, octyl stearate, hydroxylated esters, for instance        isostearyl lactate, octyl hydroxystearate, diisopropyl adipate,        heptanoates, and especially isostearyl heptanoate, alcohol or        polyalcohol octanoates, decanoates or ricinoleates, for instance        propylene glycol dioctanoate, cetyl octanoate, tridecyl        octanoate, 2-ethylhexyl 4-diheptanoate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate,        alkyl benzoates, polyethylene glycol diheptanoate, propylene        glycol 2-diethylhexanoate, and mixtures thereof, C₁₂-C₁₅ alcohol        benzoates, hexyl laurate, neopentanoic acid esters, for instance        isodecyl neopentanoate, isotridecyl neopentanoate, isostearyl        neopentanoate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, isononanoic acid        esters, for instance isononyl isononanoate, isotridecyl        isononanoate, octyl isononanoate, hydroxylated esters, for        instance isostearyl lactate and diisostearyl malate,    -   polyol esters and pentaerythritol esters, for instance        dipentaerythrityl tetrahydroxystearate/tetraisostearate,    -   esters of diol dimers and of diacid dimers, such as Lusplan        DD-DA5® and Lusplan DD-DA7® sold by the company Nippon Fine        Chemical and described in patent application US 2004-175 338,    -   copolymers of polyols and of diacid dimers, and esters thereof,        such as Hailuscent ISDA or the dilinoleic acid/butanediol        copolymer,    -   fatty alcohols that are liquid at room temperature (25° C.),        with a branched and/or unsaturated carbon-based chain containing        from 12 to 26 carbon atoms, for instance 2-octyldodecanol,        stearyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl        alcohol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-butyloctanol and        2-undecylpentadecanol;    -   C₁₂-C₂₂ higher fatty acids, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid or        linolenic acid, and mixtures thereof,    -   dialkyl carbonates, the two alkyl chains possibly being        identical or different, such as dicaprylyl carbonate sold under        the name Cetiol CC® by Cognis,    -   oils of high molar mass, in particular having a molar mass        ranging from about 400 to about 10 000 g/mol, in particular from        about 650 to about 10 000 g/mol, in particular from about 750 to        about 7500 g/mol and more particularly ranging from about 1000        to about 5000 g/mol. As oils of high molar mass that may be used        in the present invention, mention may especially be made of oils        chosen from:        -   lipophilic polymers,        -   linear fatty acid esters with a total carbon number ranging            from 35 to 70,        -   hydroxylated esters,        -   aromatic esters,        -   C₂₄-C₂₈ branched fatty acid or fatty alcohol esters,        -   silicone oils,        -   oils of plant origin, and        -   mixtures thereof;    -   optionally partially hydrocarbon-based and/or silicone fluoro        oils, for instance fluorosilicone oils, fluoropolyethers and        fluorosilicones as described in document EP-A-847 752;    -   silicone oils, for instance linear or cyclic non-volatile        polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS); polydimethylsiloxanes comprising        alkyl, alkoxy or phenyl groups, which are pendant or at the end        of a silicone chain, these groups containing from 2 to 24 carbon        atoms; phenyl silicones, for instance phenyl trimethicones,        phenyl dimethicones, phenyl trimethylsiloxy diphenyl siloxanes,        diphenyl dimethicones, diphenyl methyldiphenyl trisiloxanes and        2-phenylethyl trimethylsiloxy silicates, and    -   mixtures thereof.

(Emulsifier)

In another embodiment, the composition according to the presentinvention may include (d) at least one emulsifier. Two or moreemulsifiers may be used in combination. Thus, a single type ofemulsifier or a combination of different types of emulsifiers may beused.

The (d) emulsifier may be selected from nonionic, anionic, amphoteric,zwitterionic, cationic emulsifiers and mixtures thereof. Examples ofemulsifiers include also natural or synthetic polymeric emulsifiers.

Anionic emulsifiers include alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates, alkylsulfonates, alkyl and alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl or alkyl ethersulfosuccinates, alkyl and alkyl ether carboxylates, where the alkylradical comprises from 8 to 30 carbon atoms and preferably from 10 to 22carbon atoms, as well as anionic derivatives of alkyl polyglycosides,such as the citric, tartaric or sulfosuccinic ester of alkylpolyglucosides.

Nonionic emulsifiers can be broadly defined as compounds containing ahydrophobic moiety and a nonionic hydrophilic moiety. Examples of thehydrophobic moiety can be alkyl, alkyl aromatic, and aryl aromaticmoieties. Examples of hydrophilic moieties are polyoxyalkylenes, amineoxides, and alkanol amides. Examples of non-ionic emulsifiers arealkoxylated fatty alcohols or fatty acids, alkoxylated di- andtri-stiryl phenols, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, sugar esters andpolyesters, alkoxylated sugar esters, sorbitan and alkoxylated sorbitanfatty acid esters. Other examples of nonionic emulsifiers include alkylpolyglycosides, such as coco polyglucosides.

Cationic emulsifiers useful in the present invention may contain aminoor quaternary ammonium hydrophilic moieties which are positively chargedwhen dissolved in water. Examples of ammonium compounds are long-chainalkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, long-chain alkyl benzyl dimethylammonium chloride, alkylamine hydrochlorides, alkylamine acetates anddi(long-chain alkyl) dimethyl ammonium bromide.

The amphoteric emulsifiers which can be used in the present inventionmay be those which can be broadly described as derivatives of aliphaticquaternary ammonium compounds, wherein one of the aliphatic substituentscontains an anionic water-solubilizing group, e.g., carboxylate,sulfonate, sulfate. Examples of amphoteric surfactants includecocoamphocarboxypropionate, cocoamphoacetate, cocoamphodiacetate, sodiumlauroamphoacetate.

Examples of zwitterionic emulsifiers include alkyl betaines and amidobetaines, alkyl sultaines, alkyl glycinates and alkyl carboxyglycinates.

Polymeric emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, carboxylic acidpolymers which are crosslinked compounds containing one or more monomersderived from acrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts andderivatives of these acrylic acids and substituted acrylic acids. Thesecarboxylic acid polymers also act as thickening agents. They can becrosslinked homopolymers of an acrylic acid or of a derivative thereof,such as acrylamidopropylsulfonic acid. They can be also crosslinkedcopolymers having (i) a first monomer selected from the group consistingof (meth)acrylic acid, derivatives thereof, short chain (i.e. C₁-C₄)acrylate ester monomers, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) a second monomerwhich is a long chain (i.e. C₈-C₄₀) substituted polyethylene glycolacrylate ester monomer.

Examples of commercially available carboxylic acid polymers usefulherein are Carbopol 1342, Pemulen TR-1 or TR-2 (INCI: Acrylates/C10-30Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, from Lubrizol Corp.); Sepigel 305, SimulgelEG, Simulgel NS, Simulgel 600 (from Seppic S.A.); Viscolam AT100P andViscofam AT64/P (from Lamberti S.p.A.).

Other materials that may be suitable as polymeric emulsifiers includeethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymers, for example thosecommercialized under the trade name Pluronic (BASF).

Other suitable polymeric emulsifiers include natural polymer derivativessuch as polysaccharides that may be derivatized with hydrophobicmoieties. Further examples of suitable emulsifiers that can be used inthe composition of the present invention are disclosed in “McCutcheon'sDetergents and Emulsifiers”, North American Edition (2003), AlluredPublishing Corporation.

It is preferable that the (d) emulsifier be selected from polymericemulsifiers, more preferably from associative polymers, and even morepreferably from Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymers such asPemulen TR2.

The amount of the (d) emulsifier(s) in the composition according to thepresent invention may be from 0.01 to 15% by weight, preferably from0.05 to 10% by weight, and more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight,relative to the total weight of the composition.

[Composition]

The composition according to the present invention may be intended to beused as a cosmetic composition. Thus, the cosmetic composition accordingto the present invention may be intended for application onto a keratinsubstance. Keratin substance here means a material containing keratin asa main constituent element, and examples thereof include the skin,scalp, nails, lips, hair, and the like. Thus, it is preferable that thecosmetic composition according to the present invention be used for acosmetic process for the keratin substance, in particular skin.

Thus, the cosmetic composition according to the present invention may bea skin cosmetic composition, preferably a skin care composition or askin makeup composition, in particular a composition for protecting skinfrom UV and/or pollutants in the air.

The composition according to the present invention may be in any formsuch as a solution, a dispersion, an emulsion, a gel, and a paste. Ifthe composition according to the present invention includes (c) at leastone oil, the composition according to the present invention may be inthe form of an emulsion such as W/O, O/W, W/O/W and O/W/O, preferably a,O/W emulsion.

The composition according to the present invention can be prepared bymixing the above essential and optional ingredients in accordance withany of the processes which are well known to those skilled in the art.

[Film]

The composition according to the present invention can be used foreasily preparing a relatively thick film.

Thus, the present invention also relates to a process for preparing afilm, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more than 1 μm,preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm or more, comprising:

-   -   applying onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate, more        preferably skin, the composition according to the present        invention; and    -   drying the composition.

The upper limit of the thickness of the film according to the presentinvention is not limited. Thus, for example, the thickness of the filmaccording to the present invention may be 1 mm or less, preferably 500μm or less, more preferably 300 μm or less, and even more preferably 100μm or less.

Since the process for preparing a film according to the presentinvention includes the steps of applying the composition according tothe present invention onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate,and more preferably skin, and of drying the composition, the processaccording to the present invention does not need any spin coating orspraying, and therefore, it is possible to easily prepare a relativelythick film. Thus, the process for preparing a film according to presentinvention can prepare a relatively thick film without any specialequipment such as spin coaters and spraying machines.

-   -   Although the film according to the present invention is        relatively thick, it is still thin and may be transparent, and        therefore, may not be easy to perceive. Thus, the film according        to the present invention can be used preferably as a cosmetic        film.

If the substrate is not a keratin substrate such as skin, thecomposition according to the present invention may be applied onto asubstrate made from any material other than keratin. The materials ofthe non-keratinous substrate are not limited. Two or more materials maybe used in combination. Thus, a single type of material or a combinationof different types of materials may be used. In any event, it ispreferable that the substrate be flexible or elastic.

If the substrate is not a keratin substrate, it is preferable that thesubstrate be water-soluble, because it is possible to leave the filmaccording to the present invention by washing the substrate with water.As examples of the water-soluble materials, mention may be made ofpoly(meth) acrylic acids, polyethyleneglycols, polyacrylamides,polyvinylalcohol (PVA), starch, celluloseacetates, and the like. PVA ispreferable.

If the non-keratinous substrate is in the form of a sheet, it may have athickness of more than that of the film according to the presentinvention, in order to ease the handling of the film attached to thesubstrate sheet. The thickness of the non-keratinous substrate sheet isnot limited, but may be from 1 μm to 5 mm, preferably from 10 μm to 1mm, and more preferably from 50 to 500 μm.

It is more preferable that the film according to the present inventionbe releasable from the non-keratinous substrate. The mode of release isnot limited. Therefore, the film according to the present invention maybe peeled from the non-keratinous substrate, or released by thedissolution of the substrate sheet into a solvent such as water.

The present invention also relates to:

-   -   (1) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, prepared by a process comprising:        -   applying onto a substrate, preferably a keratin substrate,            and more preferably skin, the composition according to the            present invention; and        -   drying the composition,

and

-   -   (2) A film, preferably a cosmetic film, with a thickness of more        than 1 μm, preferably 1.5 μm or more, and more preferably 2 μm        or more, comprising:        -   at least one cationic polymer,        -   at least one anionic polymer, and        -   at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa            values or salt(s) thereof.

The above explanations can apply to the above cationic and anionicpolymers, and the above non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa valuesor salt(s) thereof.

The film thus obtained above can be self-standing. The term“self-standing” here means that the film can be in the form of a sheetand can be handled as an independent sheet without the assistance of asubstrate or support. Thus, the term “self-standing” may have the samemeaning as “self-supporting”.

It is preferable that the film according to the present invention behydrophobic.

The term “hydrophobic” here means that the solubility of the polymer inwater (preferably with a volume of 1 liter) at from 20 to 40° C.,preferably from 25 to 40° C., and more preferably from 30 to 40° C. isless than 10% by weight, preferably less than 5% by weight, morepreferably less than 1% by weight, and even more preferably less than0.1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the polymer. It is mostpreferable that the polymer is not soluble in water.

If the film according to the present invention is hydrophobic, the filmcan have water-resistant properties, and therefore, it can remain on akeratin substrate such as skin even if the surface of the keratinsubstrate is wet due to, for example sweat and rain. Thus, if the filmaccording to the present invention can provide any cosmetic effect, thecosmetic effect can last a long time.

On the other hand, the film according to the present invention can beeasily removed from a keratin substrate such as skin under alkalineconditions such as a pH of from 8 to 12, preferably from 9 to 11.Therefore, the film according to the present invention is difficult toremove with water, while it can be easily removed with a soap which canprovide such alkaline conditions.

The film according to the present invention may comprise at least onebiocompatible and/or biodegradable polymer layer. Two or morebiocompatible and/or biodegradable polymers may be used in combination.Thus, a single type of biocompatible and/or biodegradable polymer or acombination of different types of biocompatible and/or biodegradablepolymers may be used.

The term “biocompatible” polymer in the present specification means thatthe polymer does not have excess interaction between the polymer andcells in the living body including the skin, and the polymer is notrecognized by the living body as a foreign material.

The term “biodegradable” polymer in the present specification means thatthe polymer can be degraded or decomposed in a living body due to, forexample, the metabolism of the living body itself or the metabolism ofthe microorganisms which may be present in the living body. Also, thebiodegradable polymer can be degraded by hydrolysis.

If the film according to the present invention includes a biocompatibleand/or biodegradable polymer, it is less irritable or not irritable tothe skin, and does not cause any rash. In addition, due to the use of abiocompatible and/or biodegradable polymer, the cosmetic sheet accordingto the present invention can adhere well to the skin.

The film according to the present invention can be used for cosmetictreatments of keratin substances, preferably skin, in particular theface. The film according to the present invention can be in any shape orform. For example, it can be used as a full-face mask sheet, or a patchfor a part of the face such as the cheek, nose, and around the eyes.

[Cosmetic Process and Use]

The present invention also relates to:

a cosmetic process for a keratin substrate such as skin, comprising:applying to the keratin substrate the composition the present invention;and drying the composition to form a cosmetic film on the keratinsubstrate; and

a use of the composition according to the present invention for thepreparation of a cosmetic film on a keratin substrate such as skin.

The cosmetic process here means non-therapeutic cosmetic method forcaring for and/or making up the surface of a keratin substrate such asskin.

In both the above process and use, the above cosmetic film is resistantto water with a pH of 7 or less, and is removable with water with a pHof more than 7, preferably 8 or more, and more preferably 9 or more.

In other words, the above cosmetic film can be water-resistant underneutral or acidic conditions such as a pH of 7 or less, preferably in arange of 6 or more and 7 or less, and more preferably in a range of 5 ormore and 7 or less, while the above cosmetic film can be removed underalkaline conditions such as a pH of more than 7, preferably 8 or more,and more preferably 9 or more. The upper limit of the pH is preferably13, more preferably 12, and even more preferably 11.

Accordingly, the above cosmetic film can be water-resistant, andtherefore, it can remain on a keratin substrate such as skin even if thesurface of the keratin substrate is wet due to, for example sweat andrain. On the other hand, the above cosmetic film can be easily removedfrom a keratin substrate such as skin under alkaline conditions.Therefore, the film according to the present invention is difficult toremove with water, while it can be easily removed with a soap which canprovide alkaline conditions.

The above cosmetic film may have cosmetic effects such as absorbing oradsorbing malodor, changing the appearance of a keratin substrate suchas skin, changing the feel to the touch of the keratin substrate, and/orprotecting the keratin substrate from, for example, dirt or pollutants,due to the properties of the polyion complex particles in the cosmeticfilm, even if the cosmetic film does not include any cosmetic activeingredient.

In addition, the above cosmetic film may immediately change or modifythe appearance of the skin by changing light reflection on the skin andthe like, even if the cosmetic film does not include any cosmetic activeingredient. Therefore, it may be possible for the above cosmetic film toconceal skin defects such as pores or wrinkles. Further, the abovecosmetic film may immediately change or modify the feel to the touch ofthe skin by changing the surface roughness on the skin and the like.Furthermore, the above cosmetic film may immediately protect the skin bycovering the surface of the skin and shielding the skin, as a barrier,from environmental stresses such as pollutants, contaminants and thelike.

The above cosmetic effects can be adjusted or controlled by changing thechemical composition, the thickness and/or the surface roughness of theabove cosmetic film.

If the above cosmetic film includes at least one cosmetic activeingredient, the cosmetic film can have cosmetic effects provided by thecosmetic active ingredient(s). For example, if the cosmetic filmincludes at least one cosmetic active ingredient selected fromanti-aging agents, anti-sebum agents, deodorant agents, anti-perspirantagents, whitening agents and a mixture thereof, the cosmetic film cantreat the aging of the skin, absorbing sebum on the skin, controllingodors on the skin, controlling the perspiration on the skin, and/orwhitening of the skin.

For example, if the cosmetic film includes a UV filter, the abovecosmetic film may be able to limit the darkening of the skin, improvethe colour and uniformity of the complexion, and/or treat aging of theskin.

It is also possible to apply a makeup cosmetic composition onto thecosmetic sheet according to the present invention after being appliedonto the skin.

EXAMPLES

The present invention will be described in a more detailed manner by wayof examples. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scopeof the present invention.

[Preparation of Polyion Complex Particle]

Example 1

15.0 g of a 5 wt % aqueous solution of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and10.0 g of a 5 wt % aqueous solution (pH 6.1) of polylysine (Plys) weremixed by using a propeller mixer (700 rpm 20 min), and the pH of themixture thus obtained was adjusted to 10.8 by adding 1.8 g of NaOH.While stirring, 2 g of an aqueous solution containing 33 wt % ofterephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid (Mexoryl SX) was added to theabove mixture. With the decrease of the pH of the mixture thus obtained,polyion complex gel particles (PGP) were formed, and simultaneously,Mexoryl SX was entrapped in the PGP. Thus, a stable PGP dispersion wassuccessfully prepared. The final pH of the PGP dispersion was 7.7. Theparticle size of the PGP was around 3 μm.

The materials used to prepare the PGP dispersion according to Example 1,and the properties of the PGP dispersion thus obtained are shown inTable 1. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredients shownin Table 1 are all based on “g”.

Examples 2-5

The procedures according to Example 1 were repeated with the provisothat the materials shown in Table 1 were used to prepare PGP dispersionsaccording to Examples 2-5.

In Example 4, Yellow 6 was first treated with a cation exchange resin(Diaion SK1B, Mitsubishi Chemical) in order to change the sodium ions ofYellow 6 to hydrogen ions. The pH of the 30 wt % solution of Yellow 6used was 2.6.

TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 CMC 15.0 — 15.0 — 15.0  (5 wt %solution) CMC — 13.8 — 13.8 — (10 wt % solution) Plys (Everguard PL)10.0 — 10.0 — 10.0  (5 wt % solution, pH 6.1) Plys (Everguard PL) — 23.7— 23.7 — (10 wt % solution, pH 11 adjusted by NaOH) Mexoryl SX  2.0 10.5— — 1.0 (33 wt % solution) Ascorbic acid solution — —  5.7 — — (10 wt %,pH 2.2) Yellow 6 solution — — — 10.0 — (30 wt %, pH 2.6) (treated withcation exchange resin) NaOH  1.8 —  1.8 — 1.8 1N HCl — — — — 2.0 H₂O71.2 52.0 67.5 52.5 70.2  Total 100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0  100.0 Particle size (μm) Around Around Around Around Around 3 10 10 20 5 pH 7.7  6.9  6.8  6.7 4.8 Stability Stable Stable Stable Stable Stable

Mexoryl SX:

Yellow 6:

All of the PGP dispersions according to Examples 1-5 were stable for 2weeks at room temperature. Thus, no precipitates were visually observedfor 2 weeks.

[Preparation and Evaluation of Film Made from PGP]

(Water Resistivity and Removability with Soap)

By using 30 μl of the PGP dispersion according to Example 2, the letter“G” was written on a rough surface of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)plate (HELIOPLATE HD6) and dried at room temperature. A film, which wasmade from PGP, in the form of the letter “G” containing Mexoryl SX wasprepared on the PMMA plate.

By irradiating UV rays from the front side of the PMMA plate by using aUV lamp, a dark letter “G” was visible on the front side of the PMMAplate. Thus, it was found that the above film (hereafter, referred to as“PGP film”) including Mexoryl SX had UV shielding effects.

After being washed with running tap water for 5 minutes, a UV ray wasagain irradiated from the reverse side of the PMMA plate. A dark letter“G” still remained on the PMMA plate. Thus, it was found that the abovePGP film still had UV shielding effects.

In order to check the removability of the PGP film, a commercial liquidsoap product (pH 10.5) was put on the PGP film, left thereon for 10seconds, and washed by running water for 10 seconds. UVs rays were againirradiated from the front side of the PMMA plate. The letter “G” nolonger remained on the PMMA plate. Thus, it was found that the above PGPfilm was completely washed off with the soap, because of the pHdependency of the removability or solubility of the PGP film. The reasonwhy this PGP system has a pH dependent property would be that the chargedensity of the polylysine in the PGP system decreases at pH 10.5 (pKa:around 9), and the polylysine dissociate (finally the PGP filmdisappears).

(In Vitro SPF Values)

In order to make a PGP film containing Mexoryl SX, 100 μl of the PGPdispersion according to Example 2 was applied on a rough surface of aPMMA plate (HELIOPLATE HD6) and dried at room temperature. A transparentPGP film containing Mexoryl SX was prepared on the transparent PMMAplate.

In vitro SPF value of the PGP film was measured with a SPF analyzerUV-2000S. The measurement of in vitro SPF value was done twice: beforewashing the PGP film with water and after washing the PGP film.

The washing protocol was as follows: 5 ml of water was put on the PMMAplate. After 1-minute immersion in the water, the PGP film was washedwith 300 ml of running pure water. Finally, the PGP film was washed witha commercial liquid soap product (pH 10.5). Namely, the soap product wasput on the PGP film, left thereon for 10 seconds, and washed withrunning tap water. The in vitro SPF values are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Before Washing After Washing After Washing With Water With WaterWith Soap In vitro SPF 105 53 1

The PGP film showed a high in-vitro SPF value before being washed withwater, and maintained the UV shielding effect thereof even after beingwashed with water. On the other hand, the PGP film was easily washed offwith an alkaline soap, and resulted in a very low in vitro SPF value.

[Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Measurements]

The structure of a PGP film was analyzed by SEM (cross sectionanalysis).

A sample was prepared as follows: 50 μl of the PGP dispersion accordingto Example 2 was applied on a glass plate, and dried at room temperatureto form a PGP film. Osmium was coated on the surface of the PGP film(Hollow Cathode Plasma CVD) to prepare a sample.

The sample was embedded into acryl resins. Using ion milling method(Ilion+) with Ar source, the cross section surface was prepared with acooling process. Machines: SEM analysis (Hitachi Hightechnologies,S-4800), EDX analysis (EDAX Genesis2000).

As a result of the SEM measurements of the cross-section of the PGPfilm, it was found that PGP merged during the drying process to formlarger domains. There were some PGP which have not merged to form thelarger domains.

As a result of the SEM-EDX analysis, it was found that Mexoryl SXmolecules were only present in the PGP and the larger domains

Next, the PGP film was washed with water. As a result of the SEM-EDXanalysis, it was also found that, while washing with water, the mergedPGP domains made a homogeneous and continuous film. Furthermore, MexorylSX was distributed homogeneously in that film.

[O/W Emulsions]

Examples 6 and 7

By using acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer (Pemulen TR-2) andethylhexylmethoxycinnamate (MCX), a stable O/W emulsion including PGPwas prepared.

First, a PGP dispersion was prepared by the same method for Example 1with the proviso that the materials shown in Table 3 were used toprepare the PGP dispersion.

Next, into the PGP dispersion, Pemulen TR-2 and MCX were added andemulsified by using a homogenizer (7000 rpm and 20 minutes) (Example 6).The stable O/W emulsion including PGP was successfully prepared. Also,in order to improve in vitro SPF and water resistivity, the amounts ofMexoryl SX and polyquaternium-6 (polycation) were increased in Example7.

The materials used to prepare the O/W emulsions according to Examples 6and 7, and the properties of the O/W emulsions thus obtained are shownin Table 3. The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredientsshown in Table 3 are all based on “g”.

TABLE 3 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 CMC (10 wt % solution) 24.8 24.8 Plys (PL-25) (25 wt% solution, pH 10.6) 11.4 11.4 Mexoryl SX (22 wt % aqueous solution)30.0 — Mexoryl SX (33 wt % aqueous solution) — 30.0 Sodium Styrene/MA*Copolymer 0.7 0.7 (40 wt % solution) Polyquaternium-6 (40 wt % solution)5.3 6.9 NaOH 1.0 1.0 Phenoxyethanol 0.5 0.5 H₂O 18.7 17.1Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer 0.1 0.1 (Pemulen TR-2) MCX7.5 7.5 Total 100 100 pH 4.8 5.0 Stability Stable Stable MA: Maleic Acid

Both of the O/W emulsions according to Examples 6 and 7 were stable for2 weeks at room temperature. Thus, no precipitates were visuallyobserved for 2 weeks.

By adding a polymeric emulsifier (Pemulen TR-2) and oil soluble UVfilter (MCX) into a PGP dispersion, stable O/W emulsions were prepared.

[Evaluation of O/W Emulsions]

(In Vitro SPF)

30 mg of the O/W emulsion according to Example 6 was applied on a roughsurface of a PMMA plate (HELIOPLATE HD6) and dried at room temperature.A transparent film containing MCX and Pemulen TR-2 was prepared on thePMMA plate.

In vitro SPF value of the above film was measured with a SPF analyzerUV-2000S. The measurement of in vitro SPF value was done twice: beforewashing the film with water and after washing the film with water.

The washing protocol with water was as follows: 5 ml of water was put onthe PMMA plate. After 1-minute immersion in the water, the film waswashed with 300 ml of running pure water. The in vitro SPF value of eachof the film prepared from the O/W emulsions according to Examples 6 and7 is shown in Table 4.

Next, water resistivity was defined as:(in vitro SPF before washing with water)/(in vitro SPF after washingwith water)×100(%).

The water resistivity of each of the film prepared from the O/Wemulsions according to Examples 6 and 7 is shown in Table 4.

The above in vitro SPF value was measured again after washing the filmwith a commercial liquid soap product (pH 10.5).

The washing protocol with soap was as follows: 5 ml of a commercial soapproduct (pH 10.5) was put on the PMMA plate. After 1-minute immersion inthe liquid soap product, the film was washed with 300 ml of running purewater. The in vitro SPF value of each of the film prepared from the O/Wemulsions according to Examples 6 and 7 is shown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 In vitro SPF before washing 53 134 In vitro SPFafter washing 40 115 Water Resistivity (%) 75 86 In vitro SPF afterWashing with Soap (pH 10.5) 2 3

The O/W emulsions according to Examples 6 and 7 including PGP showedhigh in vitro SPF values. Even after being washed with water, they kepthigh in vitro SPF values (water resistivity: 75% and 86%). By increasingthe amount of Mexoryl SX and polyquaternium-6 (polycation), the in vitroSPF value and the water resistivity were improved. Furthermore, thefilms obtained from the O/W emulsion according to Examples 6 and 7 wereeasily washed off by using the alkaline liquid soap product as mentionedabove.

[Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Measurements]

The structure of a film which includes Mexoryl SX, as well as MCX andPemulen TR-2, was analyzed by SEM (cross section analysis).

A sample was prepared as follows: 30 μl of an O/W emulsion with theformulation according to Example 8 shown in Table 5 below was applied ona flat surface of a PMMA plate (HELIOPLATE HD6), and dried at roomtemperature to form a film. Osmium was coated on the surface of the film(Hollow Cathode Plasma CVD) to prepare a sample. The sample was embeddedinto acryl resins. Using ion milling method (Ilion+) with Ar source, thecross section surface was prepared with a cooling process. Machines: SEManalysis (Hitachi Hightechnologies, S-4800), EDX analysis (EDAXGenesis2000). The numerical values for the amounts of the ingredientsshown in Table 5 are all based on “g”.

TABLE 5 Ex. 8 CMC (10 wt % solution) 24.8 Plys (PL-25) (25 wt %solution, pH 10.6) 17.08 Mexoryl SX (22 wt % aqueous solution) 40.0Sodium Styrene/MA* Copolymer (40 wt % solution) 0.7 Polyquaternium-6 (40wt % solution) 1.18 Pemulen TR-2 0.2 MCX 7.5 Mexoryl XL 3.0 NaOH 1.86H₂O 3.68 Total 100 pH 5.1 Stability Stable MA: Maleic Acid

As a result of the SEM measurements of the cross-section of the abovefilm, it was found that the surface of the film was smooth, and includedMCX and Mexoryl XL (hydrophobic UV filters). All of the PGP merged toform a homogenous film.

As a result of the SEM-EDX analysis, it was found that Mexoryl SX andMexoryl XL molecules were only present in the above film. It was alsofound that Mexoryl SX was distributed homogenously in the film, whileMexoryl XL was distributed mainly near the surface of the film.

Thus, the film based on Example 8 can exhibit a high in vitro SPF value.

[Adsorption/Absorption of Malodor]

For deodorant/antiperspirant applications, the adsorption ability of PGPfor isovaleric acid (IVA), which was one of the major malodor moleculesin sweats, was measured.

140 μl of the PGP dispersion according to Example 2 was deposited on afilter paper, and dried. Then, 20 μl of a 0.04 wt % IVA aqueous standardsolution was put on the filter paper, and the filter paper was put in avial. A reaction between the PGP film and IVA on the filter paper wascarried out for 30 minutes at 40° C. The IVA concentration in the headspace of the vial was detected by a GC/MS analysis, and the reduction ofIVA was calculated as follows:Reduction (%)={(A−B)/A}×100

A: the concentration of IVA in the standard solution,

B: the concentration of IVA with PGP.

Result: The PGP film showed 90% reduction of IVA in the head space.These results showed that PGP has good malodor adsorption/absorptionability, and can be used for deodorant/antiperspirant applications.

[Anti-Dirt Effects]

In order to assess anti-dirt effects of a PGP film, the PGP dispersionaccording to Example 9 shown in Table 6 below was deposited onto abioskin substrate, and dried at 35° C. for 20 minutes to form a PGP filmon the bioskin substrate. The numerical values for the amounts of theingredients shown in Table 6 are all based on “g”.

Iron oxide particles were used as a model of dirt. Iron oxide particleswere carefully sprinkled onto the PGP film on the bioskin substrate andonto the surface of the bioskin substrate without the PGP film, via 150μm sieve at an amount of 2 mg/cm². Then, in order to assess theanti-dirt or anti-adhesion effects, the iron oxide particles depositedmainly by gravitational effects were blown by gentle air. Afterward, thesurface of the bioskin substrate with/without the PGP film was observedby microscope at magnification of 5×. The amount of iron oxide particleson the PGP film on the bioskin substrate was significantly lower thanthat of iron oxide particles on the bioskin substrate without the PGPfilm.

TABLE 6 Ex. 9 CMC (10 wt % solution) 24.8 Plys (PL-25) (25 wt %solution, pH 10.6) 14.23 Mexoryl SX (22 wt % aqueous solution) 40.0 SMA(40 wt % solution) 0.7 Polyquaternium-6 (40 wt % solution) 1.18 H₂O13.57 NaOH 0.52 Glycerin 5 Total 100.00 pH 6.03 Stability Stable

[Comparative Study]

Comparative Example 1

Instead of Meroxyl SX in Example 1, HCl was used as an acid.

15.0 g of a 5 wt % aqueous solution of CMC and 10.0 g of a 5 wt %aqueous solution of Plys were mixed, and the pH of the mixture wasadjusted to 10.8 by 1.8 g of NaOH. While stirring, 2 g of 1N HCl aqueoussolution was added to the above mixture. In Comparative Example 1, astable PGP dispersion could not be prepared, and some precipitates wereobserved within 2 weeks at room temperature.

The materials used to prepare the PGP dispersion according toComparative Example 1 and the properties of the PGP dispersion thusobtained are shown in Table 7. The numerical values for the amounts ofthe ingredients shown in Table 7 are all based on “g”.

Comparative Example 2

Instead of Mexoryl SX in Example 1, (+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid was usedas an acid. 15.0 g of a 5 wt % aqueous solution of CMC and 10.0 g of a 5wt % aqueous solution of Plys were mixed, and the pH of the mixture wasadjusted to 10.8 by 1.8 g of NaOH. Under a stirring condition, 2 g of a33 wt % aqueous solution of (+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid was added to theabove mixture. In Comparative Example 2, a stable PGP dispersion couldnot be prepared, and large precipitates were observed within 2 weeks atroom temperature.

The materials used to prepare the PGP dispersion according toComparative Example 2 and the properties of the PGP dispersion thusobtained are shown in Table 7. The numerical values for the amounts ofthe ingredients shown in Table 7 are all based on “g”.

TABLE 7 Comp. Ex. 1 Comp. Ex. 2 CMC (5 wt % solution, pH 6) 15.0 15.0Plys (Everguard PL) 10.0 10.0 (5 wt % solution, pH 6.1) NaOH 1.8 1.8 1NHCl 2.5 — (+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid — 4.0 (33 wt % solution) H₂O 70.769.2 Total 100.0 100.0 Aspect Precipitates Precipitates pH 7.5 6.9Stability Precipitates Precipitates

(+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid:

Comparative Examples 1 and 2 show that the use of a monovalent inorganicor organic acid having only one pKa value cannot make a PGP dispersionstable.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A composition, comprising: (a) at least one particle comprising at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof; and (b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatile medium, wherein the at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values is selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof, phytic acid, Yellow 6, ascorbic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof, wherein a size of the at least one particle is in a range of about 1 μm to about 20 μm, wherein a pH of the composition is in a range of about 4 to about 8, wherein the composition does not form precipitates within two weeks of formation, wherein the at least one particle is an at least one polyion complex particle; wherein the at least one cationic polymer is polylysine, and wherein the at least one anionic polymer is carboxymethyl cellulose.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein a charge density of the at least one cationic polymer is from 0.1 meq/g to 20 meq/g.
 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein a charge density of the at least one anionic polymer is from 0.1 meq/g to 20 meq/g if the at least one anionic polymer is a synthetic anionic polymer, and an average substitution degree of the at least one anionic polymer is from 0.1 to 3.0 if the at least one anionic polymer is a natural anionic polymer.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of an amount of the at least one cationic polymer/the at least one anionic polymer is 0.05-18.
 5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein an amount of either the at least one cationic polymer or the at least one anionic polymer, or both the at least one cationic polymer and the at least one anionic polymer, in the composition is from 0.01 to 20% by weight, relative to a total weight of the composition.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein an amount of the at least one non-polymeric acid(s) having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof in the composition is from 0.001 to 30% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.
 7. The composition according claim 1, wherein an amount of the (a) particle in the composition is from 0.01 to 60% by weight, relative to a total weight of the composition.
 8. The composition according to claim 1, wherein an amount of the (b) at least one physiologically acceptable volatile medium, in the composition is from 50 to 99% by weight, relative to a total weight of the composition.
 9. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises (c) at least one oil and is in the form of an emulsion.
 10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the composition further comprises (d) at least one emulsifier.
 11. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a cosmetic composition.
 12. A process for preparing a film with a thickness of more than 1 μm, comprising: applying onto a substrate the composition according to claim 1; and drying the composition.
 13. A film with a thickness of more than 1 μm, prepared by a process comprising: applying onto a substrate the composition according to claim 1; and drying the composition.
 14. A film with a thickness of more than 1 μm, comprising: at least one particle comprising: at least one cationic polymer, at least one anionic polymer, and at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values or salt(s) thereof, wherein the at least one non-polymeric acid having two or more pKa values is selected from the group consisting of terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid and salts thereof, phytic acid, Yellow 6, ascorbic acid and salts thereof, and a mixture thereof, wherein a size of the at least one particle is in a range of about 1 μm to about 20 μm, wherein a pH of the composition is in a range of about 4 to about 8, wherein the composition does not form precipitates within two weeks of formation, wherein the at least one particle is an at least one polyion complex particle, wherein the at least one cationic polymer is polylysine, and wherein the at least one anionic polymer is carboxymethyl cellulose.
 15. A cosmetic process for a keratin substrate, comprising: applying to the keratin substrate the composition according to claim 1; and drying the composition to form a cosmetic film on the keratin substrate.
 16. A process for preparing a cosmetic film on a keratin substrate, comprising applying the composition according to claim 1 onto the keratin substrate, wherein the cosmetic film is resistant to water with a pH of 7 or less, and is removable with water with a pH of more than
 7. 